Full of nostalgia from a Reading Rainbow childhood, LeVar Burton’s voice carried me away as he read his book The Rhino Who Swallowed A Storm. The story contains a lovely message of love and support from friends and families in a world of chaos. Levar wants to become a resource for children that face tragedy in honor of one of his heroes, Mr. Fred Rogers. LeVar learned to use television as a part of a larger ministry devoted to making a better place for children. Fred Rogers also taught him to be true to himself.
LeVar said the “idea (for his new book) sprang from the headlines of the day.” He wanted to create a new myth about recovery from depression and anxiety caused by the world we live in. He felt that children didn’t have many examples or role models to help them deal with their feelings and fears. With the stigma that is attached to mental illness, LeVar hopes his book will help struggling kids.
LeVar also shared his thoughts on the importance of having great role models to encourage children to read. His mother was his first storytelling mentor because she read to him and, most importantly, read often in front of him. So the first thing he asks parents to consider when they are desiring their children to read more is : do you read in front of them? Secondly, he asks, what is your child passionate about? “If your child is passionate about superheroes, dammit, buy your child comic books!” (Levar Burton)
I love those questions and his quote. If you have a reluctant reader, you HAVE to go to any lengths to find them their hook. I don’t care if it’s a manual on how to fix a Dodge Truck (yes, I have tried that in my class before) or a Game Informer magazine. If they are reading, they are connecting. In addition, it is absolutely imperative to set that great example of being a reader. If you are requiring your students to read in class, then you should also be reading with them. If you are asking your child to read at home, then join him.
Levar also talked about the power of storytelling and how it lets us know that we belong. Stories also help us understand the power within ourselves and the roadblocks we project in front of us. When Lavar said, “it is our own prejudice that gets in the way,” I nodded in deep agreement. WE are often our biggest enemies. That’s why Lavar recommended these pictures books to children: Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Enemy Pie by Derek Munson.
LeVar’s 30 minute presentation was wonderful to listen to, but the question and answer session was gold. There were several people around me in tears as we heard stories of the impact that LeVar’s work in Reading Rainbow has made in people’s lives. He genuinely is a kind man with a deep respect for the library community and the children we serve. Bravo, Mr. Burton. Bravo!
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