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"Junie b. Jones" by Barbara Park
My fifth grade teacher, Mr. Diaz, was the first teacher to introduce Junie b. Jones as part of our oral reading. I fell in love with the character of Junie b. because she is really this imperfect, silly kid, who is learning to be comfortable in her own skin. I remember being a silly kid myself, and more tomboyish, so I really related with her. I didn't pick up reading during this time, but it left a mark in me, that I now treasure. -
"Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare
I read this play in my ninth grade English class, and I enjoyed every moment of it. One thing that I most cherished while listening to my teacher read aloud was how he would show images and stop to ask guiding questions. One image that I remember clearly was Juliet on the balcony, and until this day I remember it so vividly. This play gave me an outlook of love and romance, but also about society and norms. -
"The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
This book was one of my first purchases back in 2019, when I began my college journey. Although I cannot remember what intrigued me to read it in the first place, I do remember being completely enthralled by it. It really did leave a mark in my life because it taught me the significance of books and libraries through its much devastating history with violent acts like arson being committed against them throughout time and across the world. I think knowing this encouraged me to read more. -
"1984" by George Orwell
I was required to read this book for one of my classes, and I immediately fell in love with Orwell. I remember quite vividly the way that his writing made me feel, which was meditative and at the same time apprehensive. As many know, this book depicts the 20th century totalitarian society that caused so much harm and destruction. When I read the quote, "War is peace, Freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength" (26), I made it my goal to read as much as I can to be informed. -
"Life and Death in Shanghai" by Nien Cheng
This book is a memoir, where Cheng discusses her experienced during Mao's cultural revolution in China. Her book lays on my desk, where I can see her face printed on the cover of the book, to remember how she fought against her unlawful imprisonment with intelligence, articulation, and boldness. To me, she is like a role model and she has shaped my way of thinking about life; moreover, she has confirmed once again the importance of being informed. She has made me realize how strong women can be. -
"The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease
I began reading this book last year, and I'm still working on finishing it. Trelease dedicated most of his life in raising awareness about reading and its positive effects in many outlets like conferences, libraries, and especially schools. He successfully argued how reading aloud helps students gain higher comprehension by improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As a mom, I took this very seriously and my family engages in reading aloud.