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Bedtime Stories
Having 3 older sisters who were eager to help with their baby sister, I was never in need of someone to read to me at bedtime or any time I wanted. By my third birthday I was determined to be just like my older sisters, and that included reading the books that they read, so I would "read" to them any chance I got. Being a three year old, "reading" consisted of me making up words that didn't exist and insisting that's what was written on a page in a book. -
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Goldilocks and the Three Bears was the first book I memorized and then "read" to my parents and sisters. I distinctly remember sitting in my dad's lap "reading" the book to him. Eventually he covered up the words and I continued to "read." From that point on, he worked with me to learn to read. -
Library Card
Shortly after I officially learned to read, my parents decided I was old enough to get my own library card. As a family, we went to the library quite often, but for the first time I got a library card of my VERY OWN. I remember feeling so sophisticated when I signed for my card and then picked out a book to check out on my own. -
Harry Potter
My passion for reading was really born after the passing of my dad in September of 1998. The following Christmas my aunt bought me this new book she had just read called "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." She thought it would be a great adventure book for me and would be a healthy way for me to "escape." -
Not Everyone Reads Like Me
I was in 4th grade when I realized not everyone loved to read like I do. My friends and I would share books, but I was 9 when I first heard one of my classmates say "reading is stupid." I really didn't understand. -
Nancy Drew
In fifth grade I got mono and had to miss a lot of school. My mom didn't want me watching TV all day so she gave me some of her old "Nancy Drew" books and I devoured them. I discovered my love for mystery books and Nancy Drew became one of my friends while I was separated from my classmates. -
Sarah Dessen
A friend told me about this great book called "The Truth About Forever" by Sarah Dessen. I've reread this book twice and LOVE the author. I then read all of her books (and reread some of them). She is my favorite YA author. -
Gone With the Wind
Since I was about 8 years old I had wanted to read "Gone with the Wind," and at 20 years old I finally achieved that goal. This will always be one of my favorite books. -
Life Comes Full Circle
My oldest niece, Caroline (age 3.5), has the same heart for reading that I do. Our friends and family call her my "mini me" because she looks and acts just as I do. She took it upon herself to pick out the biggest book from my grandpa's bookshelf and "read" it. This summer I found her whining in the kitchen. When I asked her what was wrong she said, "Aunt Toria, this book is too big. I'm a big girl but I can't read it. Will I ever read it?" I smiled and told her that someday soon she will! -
Teaching Practicum
My MT at Rockdale Career Academy has a goal for each of her students to read 12 books this year. I am so excited about this goal and helping students learn to love reading, but I'm starting to see it's going to be difficult, but I'm up for the challenge.