The Power of a Book

Freedom to Read is not your ordinary picture book because its not about an ordinary topic. It challenges children to imagine what life would be like if there were no books or libraries and in so doing makes them consider why we have books in the first place.

As Amy discovers a book of fiction and begins to read, the reader is made aware of the power a book can have. A book can transport you to a different place or time. It can teach you about how other people think and what motivates them to do what they do and in so doing make you aware of your own feelings.

Need a lesson plan?

The Freedom to Read Resource Pack contains over 30 pages of worksheets and activities for elementary age children. There are three separate lesson plans to choose from: Truth or Fiction, The Value of a Book, and The Future of Books. From learning how to tell the difference between fact and fiction to understanding book censorship throughout history you’ll find a variety of topics related to the freedom to read. Each lesson plan contains pre and post reading discussion questions as well as multiple worksheets.

You will find the entire resource pack for only $4.99 on Teachers pay Teachers. Or just click on the button below and get the resource pack for a limited time for FREE.

Free Posters for the Library

Do you need posters for your library that highlight the power of reading and the importance of the freedom to read? Here are a few images from Freedom to Read along with useful texts for an elementary school library or media center. Just click on the button below the image to download. If you have difficulties downloading or if you need a larger image (I have tried to keep each image here under 10 Mb), please send me an email at kelley.donner@gmail.com.

Behind the Book

We currently live in an environment where books are being banned right and left, where libraries are being closed, and where teachers and librarians are being threatened for allowing children to read what they want to read. I believe that a book can influence you, but it cannot change you into something that you are not. I wrote the first draft of Freedom to Read one day after reading posts on social media and getting fed up. Amy’s story just appeared in my head and fought its way into being. I wanted to show the power that one voice can have and that we should never give up fighting for what we believe in. I sincerely believe in the freedom to read.