We get excited about sharing bookjoy when we’re experiencing it ourselves, agree?
Recently I’ve enjoyed ECHO, by Pam Muñoz Ryan who shares lots of research and an engaging, complex plot; BROWN GIRL DREAMING by Jacqueline Woodson, whose honest and moving poetry is full of truths and surprises; and 
ENCHANTED AIR: TWO CULTURES, TWO WINGS, A MEMOIR by Margarita Engle, who reminded me how vulnerable children are.
I hope that you too are treating yourself to some wonderful books.
Pat
I am honored and excited to be attending the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Convention in Minneapolis, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of AFT. I am looking forward to hearing Hillary Clinton, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and other interesting speakers as well as interacting with members from around the country.
It’s grand to be promoting bookjoy and Children’s Day, Book Day (Día) thanks to the collaboration of First Book and AFT.
Pat
This “Meet Pat Mora” interview was originally posted on ¡Colorín Colorado! in April 2007. In it, Pat discusses growing up in a Mexican-American home, and her realization as an adult that her heritage was missing from her early school experiences:
What fun my daughter Libby Martinez and I had working on PLEDGE. Writing a book is always a challenge, and we were writing about a wonderful lady in our lives, my aunt and Libby’s great aunt, Ygnacia Delgado. Like many, she and her father and sisters came to this country long ago hoping for a better life. She called us her “lobitos,” her little wolves, and we all called her Lobo.
As our country struggles to remember how important immigrants have been and are in our history, Libby thought it was important to share Lobo’s story. Lobo said, “The American flag–red, white, and blue–wrapped itself around me to protect me…The flag made me feel…(s)afe and warm.”
Literacy is essential in our democracy. Let’s celebrate our many blessings including bookjoy.
Happy time with family, ice-cream, fireworks, laughter.
Happy 4th of July!
Pat
I so enjoyed re-reading DRUM DREAM GIRL by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López. Wonderful to see two friends create such verbal and visual music. I look forward to sharing this drumbeat book with my granddaughter Bonny.
Pat
