Children want to read! But they don't always have access to books and non-textbook reading is not always included in the curriculum in the public education system in central Mexico. Can you imagine your childhood without the magic of books? Libros para Todos would like to plan 2 big reads for 2020: one in May and the other in November. Each would include at least 600 children between the ages of 9-15 years of age. Each child receives his or her own book and then the author meets with them.
Although literacy rates are at an all time high in Mexico, fewer people are picking up books. Reading is important because it is through reading that children learn many new things, improve their communication skills, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to be empathetic and creative individuals.
We have found that by creating a positive memorable experience connected to reading, children are more likely to begin reading for fun. We organize big reading campaigns in which we select a very good book, distribute it to 600 children at a time at participating schools, give the children time to read, and then bring the author to meet in their communities. The impact of being part of a massive big read and of meeting the author first hand makes a big impression at such a formative age.
Our ultimate goal is for children to develop the lifelong habit of reading because that would ensure that they would become lifelong learners. Avid readers pursue higher educational opportunities, are more empathetic individuals, and lead to a stronger civil society as adults.
