I remember learning how to read. Cuddled up with my mom or dad at night under the covers and going over the words of the book together. I remember stumbling on words and them teaching me how to sound them out. And then, I was off! I would spend every moment I could reading anything I could get my hands on. I loved walking to my local library and pouring over the book descriptions to find the next great thing to read. And, as I got older, I often spent my summer vacation days with a book in my hand and the sun on my face. Now, as an adult, my kindle always has two or three books ready to go and is sitting by my bedside to read every night before bed (just like when I was a kid).  That love of reading was nurtured by my parents, my teachers and even my friends (book club!). And, I know that even now, it's reading that gives me access to learning, exploring, and discovering new worlds (both real and imaginary). 

This love of reading is what drives me to ensure every kid has the access to books and to build their literacy. They may not fall in love with books like me - but they will have worlds open up to them (science, philosophy, architecture, and so much more) by having a strong foundation of literacy. I'm so inspired by Page Ahead's mission to increase literacy for students in need - and amazed at the outcomes we achieve just by giving kids access to books. 

Join me in having kids have access to the world around them through helping them read! You can donate to Page Ahead through my page - and don't forget to tune in on March 31, 2021 for our live event!

--vv: me with my nephew & niece 7 years ago