Read Seed, Inc.
Because literacy is everybody's business
Read His Book Story
Book experiences are personal. Oprah once said that books saved her life. Book experiences can change lives and inspire others to read. Share your story about being introduced to reading, books that were special in your development, why you fell in love with reading.
Whoppi (Caryn) Goldberg, comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, talk show host and children's book author, She is one of the few entertainers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Among her many recognitions is the NAACP Image Award. On January 25, 2013, hundreds of fans braved the freezing temps to see Whoppi perform in Durham, North Carolina. During a Question and Answer session, I thanked Whoppi for her work promoting literacy and her wonderful books. I asked how she became passionate about books and reading. Her response was "by learning to read." She told of learning difficulties later identified as dyslexia. She was paired with a person who taught her how to read. What A Gift! Whoppi said that "reading changed my life. Books took me around the world." That's her book story, what is yours? Books Made The Difference.
Kadir Nelson, acclaimed author and illustrator recently presented in Chapel Hill, NC and talked about his new book releases, I Have A Dream and Nelson Mandela. I asked Kadir about his 'book story' because so many parents complain that their child doesn't like to read. "What sparked your passion for books and reading?" This is his answer. “I was one of those kids who hated reading. My parents and family liked to read, but I didn't I loved hearing stories, my father told great stories. I guess I hated what I was given to read because it wasn't interesting. Around ninth or tenth grade I read The Autobiography of Malcolm X and I could not put it down. It was one of those books that you want never to end, you just want it to continue. I believe that’s why I am a big fan of autobiographies.” Books Made The Difference.
Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., M.D., (born September 18, 1951) is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States by President George W. Bush in 2008. But Carson, born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised by his single mother, struggled academically throughout elementary school. Then books changed his life and he began to excel in middle school and continued throughout high school. After graduating with honors from his high school, he attended Yale University. Book Made The Difference.
Denied Carnegie Books
I Wanted To Check Out Books
I became acquainted with Read Seed's work after reading about them in the newspaper. The article highlighted their mission to give books to low income children, no cost. I began sending them a check each month. One month I shared my story and the reason I felt so strongly about what they were doing.
I grew up in a Midwest mining town. I always liked books and reading, but the Carnegie Library in town denied me access. I was told that I could not check out their books. That has always stayed with me because I believe that all children should have access to books.
The children getting Read Seed books are very fortunate and I hope this program continues.
J Schultz
Oprah Winfrey (born January 29, 1954) is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. She has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and was for a time the world's only black billionaire. She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world. But Winfrey was born into poverty and endured considerable hardship during her childhood. She has been quoted, “Books saved my life.” Books Made The Difference.
Samuel Wilbert Tucker (1913 – 1990) was an American lawyer and NAACP consultant. He is remembered for organizing a 1939 sit-in at the then-segregated Alexandria, Virginia public library because blacks were refused issue of a library card. The protest resulted in a branch library being established for blacks. While Tucker was not satisfied with separate facilities for the races, black children had access to books as a result of his actions. Books Made The Difference.