Behind the Book does an amazing job of inspiring NYC youth. At their Gala in October 2010, I saw a young woman read a story in front of a group of adults that reminded me of the chances I was given, as a young person, to share my writing with the world and feel proud of it. It was moments like that that made me become a writer. Behind the Book is helping your people find their gifts and make them bloom.
If you don't think Behind the Book is changing kids' lives, just listen to
the YouTube videos of kids talking about the books they've read and the authors they've met thanks to this program. As a librarian for thirty years, I've seen the power of books to bring healing, joy, growth, and
happiness to readers and I applaud Behind the Book for the impressive work it does.
Behind the Book is an extremely unique non profit. Bringing authors and their books directly to the schools to share their experiences and become involved with the kids (many of whom have never owned a book before) is extraordinary. Hearing the kids talk of the experience and what they have learned is incredibly moving.
Behind the Book does amazing work. It puts authors into 100 classrooms in underserved schools in NYC. We work with teachers to design individualized programs that fit the personality and needs of each classroom. The careful selection of an author for a particular class, and the careful preparation of the students for the author visit are the keys to our success and impact.
Behind the Book and the teacher design a schedule that suits the needs of all involved. The students all read the book and a program is developed that includes preparing the students for the visit as well as a written assignment that is edited and sent to Behind the Book for publication on the website.