When we read a story, we inhabit it. The covers of the book are like a roof and four walls. What is to happen next will take place within the four walls of the story. And this is possible because the story's voice makes everything its own.
-- John Berger
For the past three years, the routine has been the same. I find a parking space, walk through the front door, stop by the office and check in. I prepare a name tag, stick it on my jacket and I am on my way. I should know my way around by now, but I need instructions, again, to ensure I don't get lost. I walk down a long hallway, make a left down another hallway, a quick right and on my left is a holding room for participants in this year's annual African-American Read-In at Old Town Elementary School. I always have fun; I think the students do, too. And I usually have a promise to keep when I leave.
The African-American Read-In, now in its 20th year, encourages making literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Individuals and organizations are urged to play host to read-ins in their communities. More than a million readers of all ethnic groups have participated, according to the National Council of Teachers of English.
The holding room is where the books are, unless you bring one of your own to read. I have done that too. For example, The True Story of The Three Little Pigs, as told by A. Wolf. Yes, it is told from the wolf's perspective. Alexander Wolf was framed. I love reading that book. The room is filled with books -- small books, big books, poetry books, folk tales, history books -- and the people who love to read them. That's where the refreshments are, too. After all, the adult readers are big children. We need a little treat for participating.
One year I settled on a book by Bill Cosby, The Worst Day of My Life. It was a hit. That was the year I crossed paths with a little girl as we both approached the entrance to the school. She was late and in a hurry. To my surprise, she was in the first grade class I read to. We sure had fun that day.
The Read-In usually takes place each year on the first Sunday of February and the following Monday for schools. This year it is officially the entire month of February. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the works of the many black authors and illustrators whose works inform and entertain.
The students and I usually have a great time. We laugh and give each other high-fives. They love reading and sharing some of their favorite books and why they like to read. I have a group of new friends when I leave and a commitment to fulfill. Last year I left promising an ice-cream party after reading the Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, by Eugene Trivizas, another of my favorites. The class would celebrate before the school year ended.
This year I read to a fifth-grade, all-boys class. The boys were mostly eager to participate, a few a little reserved. It didn't take long, though, for them to become the story. The book selection this year was Barack Obama: An American Story, by Roberta Edwards. It was timely, as I had just returned from the inauguration. It is a short biography for school-aged children, easy to read, and the pictures and illustrations make it very engaging.
Afterward, there is always a test. What was the book about? Who were the characters? Where did the story take place? What did you learn? Hands fly in the air, some shout out their answers and we all learn something. I talked about my inauguration experience, showed them some of my pictures, and answered their questions. We shook hands, exchanged a few high-fives and I promised to come back and visit the class.
Amos Bronson Alcott once said, "That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed in profit." That's what the Read-in is all about -- excitement, expectation and literacy. We all profit.
■ Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker who lives in Winston-Salem. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
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