Jacqueline Woodson Celebration–2019
The New Jersey Center for the Book, the founder of the Literacy Alliance of New Jersey, sponsored a statewide celebration of the renowned young people’s author Jacqueline Woodson, at The College of New Jersey campus, on October 16, 2019. Ms. Woodson, the Library of Congress Ambassador for Youth Literature, 2018-19, met with 200 students in grades five through eight from Fisher Middle School, Ewing Township; Grace A. Dunn Middle School, Trenton; Luis Munoz-Rivera Middle School, Trenton; and Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School, Trenton.
Her presentation based on her theme: Reading = HOPE x CHANGE “What’s your equation?” was live-streamed to over 80 schools and public libraries around the state. In preparation of the viewing, many students participated in creating their own “equations” and art work. Some of these were displayed in a slideshow preceding her presentation.
The audience was captivated by her energetic and inspiring talk. She encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities that are now available to them: “You can go to any college!”
Ms. Woodson then answered questions from both students in the audience and remote viewers. Following the presentation, the students participated in workshops to create their own “equations” and other creative endeavors.
Below is the URL for Ms. Woodson’s website, which contains greater details about her life and work and lists the amazing number of prestigious awards she’s been accorded.
https://www.jacquelinewoodson.com
