Reading News and Children’s Literacy Roundup – April in Review

Welcome to the Children’s Literacy and Reading News roundup brought to you by Carol Rasco at her lovely new blog Quietly, Jen Robinson of Jen Robinson’s Book Page, and yours truly.

As has become our custom, Carol creates a  Roundup of Children’s Literacy and Reading News – Month in Review (in this case April) and then Jen and I each add a couple of extra nuggets we’ve found but didn’t get to Carol in time. So be sure to check out Jen’s roundup, also titled Children’s Literacy and Reading News Roundup: April in Review.

April was all Poetry all the Time … that’ a good thing, in case you’re wondering. Among the many great events Carol highlighted, she includes a collection of  Travis Jonker’s Spine Poetry. Speaking of Travis, we want to extend our heartfelt huzzah! for being named to the 2014 Caldecott Committee. Just knowing that he is “bringing my brand of Abraham Lincoln-impersonating school librarianship” has us smiling. The Committee will never be the same again!

Carol also has lots of links to get you in a summer reading frame of mind, and Jen adds to more events to get you going.

• The first one is this week: Children’s Book Week. The winners of the 2012 Children’s Choice Awards will be announced. In honor of Children’s Book Week, Sylvan Dell will be offering all 70 eBooks on their site license free all week long.
• MotherReader has announced the date for this summer’s 7th annual 48 Hour Book Challenge (June 8-10). This event is not to be missed by book lovers!

Anyone going to BookExpo America will be well-stocked with books and galleys to enjoy all weekend long. Long-time readers know that is practically a running joke that Carol and I never seem to be at a literacy event at the same time … we are crossing our fingers that this year’s BookExpo in New York will change that.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I was excited to find learn about the Women and Literacy in Our Backyard 2012 campaign in the TribLocal blog (Chicago Tribune). Study after study has shown us that a key predictor to a child’s literacy success is the literacy of their mom. “The [Women and Literacy in Our Backhyard] campaign aims to raise awareness of the social, educational and economic importance of improving the literacy levels of women in our communities.” The program is, in part, a tribute to Cora Wilson Stewart, an early 20th century crusader for adult literacy and women’s leadership, who created the School and Tutors on Wheels program in the Chicago area.

The Reading Connection in Arlington, VA, is one of the community programs the Reading Tub supports. The organization, which provides literacy outreach to homeless families, is celebrating 20 years of reading with children this year. On Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 2:pm to 5:pm, The Reading Connection is hosting a Community Reading Festival at the Arlington Central Library.