My childhood was like many others; I grew up with a loving family in a suburban neighborhood and went to one of the best public schools in the district. With that being said, I know when I was younger my parents or siblings read aloud to me but I can’t recall any books that stand out besides Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes, The Little Engine That Could, etc. Although I do recall the first book I was able to read on my own. When I was in kindergarten the elementary school I went to didn’t teach kindergartners how to read. Sure we learned our ABC’s, colors, and whatever else a kindergartner learns, but we were never taught to read. My kindergarten teacher was amazing and I do remember her always singing to us while giving us several different story times throughout the day. After I finished kindergarten, my family moved to a different county and I had to switch schools. Once I started first grade I was tremendously behind, because I didn’t know how to read. Most of the first graders in my class were able to read basic children’s books by Dr. Seuss and books about Clifford the Big Red Dog. When my teacher and family realized that I wasn’t keeping up with the class I was put into a reading program through my elementary school. During this program I would meet with a high school senior about twice week during school for about one hour to practice my reading. I was in this program for a semester until I was able to read. When I “graduated” the program there was a ceremony for all the students who participated as well as their tutors. My tutor, Erin, gave me the first book I ever received as a gift. The book was called Babette by Clare Turlay Newberry. Babette is a story about a little Siamese kitten that gets lost from her actual home. A little girl ends up finding Babette and gives her a loving home until her real owners claim her. Although the little girl ends up giving Babette back that doesn’t end their loving friendship that was created. The little girl gets to see Babette grow up with time. I absolutely loved this book when I was younger especially because I had a slight obsession with Siamese cats back then. I would read it every night before I went to “bed” and I would always carry it around with me. This book is very fond to me not only because of the cute illustrations and that it’s well written, but because this is the first book I learned to read on my own.

-Ilyanna Yates