One more thing about Mrs. Boyette: every day after lunch in second grade she read aloud to us.
I grew up in a house filled with books. My mother read to me. She took me to the library twice a week. She bought me books. There was no lack of story in my life.
Still, Mrs. Boyette standing up at the front of the room reading aloud from Island of the Blue Dolphins was an electrifying experience for me. I remember coming back from lunch and sitting down at my desk, the whole of my body tensed, expectant, waiting for that story. I can see the cover of the book and Mrs. Boyette’s hand as she held it. Sometimes, her hand shook. And I understood then that she been waiting all day for this, too.

Reactions: 48
Comments: 18

Original Post