According to the 2012 Maryland School Assessment, approximately 34.5 percent of third graders are reading below grade level, a figure that is double the state average. What makes these figures even more alarming is the fact that it has been shown that one in six children who are not reading proficiently in third grade do not graduate from high school on time, according to the Baltimore Library Project.
The Baltimore Book Festival held last month had a wonderful children’s book section featuring an abundance of children’s authors. We will spotlight two of the authors who were present at the festival:
Summertime In Philly by Cindy Robinson-Brown: ‘Summertime in Philly’ captures the author’s vivid memories of growing up in southwest Philadelphia. She talks about playing in the fire hydrant, eating ice cream from the Mr. Tastee truck and dancing at block parties. “I was always an avid reader and have always felt intrigued by a writer’s ability to transport the reader to another time and place. And working with children is my purpose! I actually started writing this and several other children’s stories in the early 90’s. Will Smith’s “Summertime,” was a big hit and was part of the inspiration for this story” says Cindy Robinson- Brown. The book is available via Amazon.
(Courtesy photo)
Cinderella Spinderella by Mark Binder: “I’ve been writing and performing stories for children and families for fifteen years. The goal of my work is to transmit the joy of story in both spoken and written word. Cinderella Spinderella is my 10th book, and my first J21fully illustrated project. I perform before very diverse audiences from all backgrounds, and when I tell the story, I don’t describe Cinderella and the Prince because I want the listener to picture them selves in the story. The goal of creating a book for everyone to enjoy is that, (as the fairy godmother says,) “It doesn’t matter how you look. What matters is who you are.” Cinderella Spinderella is a story that remains timeless and inclusive at its heart. www.cinderellaspinderella.com.
Once a month Indie Soul will introduce a few children’s books in an effort to encourage families to read.