"We read a book together daily and I use stories to help kids see different perspectives, build empathy, and strengthen their social-emotional skills. I want to help grow good human beings and we open the world for kids."

"When students see characters who look like them, speak like them, or struggle like them, it validates their experiences. It tells them: “You belong here. Your story matters.”  It helps boost their confidence, and willingness to participate."

 "A diverse classroom library is very important to me. I believe that it tells every student “Your story matters and your experience is reflected here.” When children see characters in books who look, speak, and navigate the world similar to them, reading becomes  powerful."

"It is crucial for teachers to update their library every year to try and keep up the pace with an evolving world. Our students, their interests and the content they want to engage with change quickly. If we want effective critical readers and thinkers, then diverse titles are key."

"I view my classroom as a safe space. Reading didn’t come easily for me when I was younger. It took me a while to find the topic that really grabbed my attention. So having a resource like MRP who have the knowledge base to identify some of those high interest books for my students is a great tool to have. "​

"I frequently leave second-hand stores with an armful of books. However, with a huge range of levels, languages, and interests, it's challenging to make sure kids aren't reading the same books repetitively and getting bored."

"When educators have access to quality, diverse books, we create classrooms where every child feels included. Books do more than teach children how to read, they help students build confidence and spark curiosity.​"

"There are so many different parts of the brain needed in the reading process.  The more I read, the more I was practicing my accuracy and fluency.  The more I read, the more background knowledge I built. There are so many great books out there and I am excited to add some of those to my classroom so we can read, read, read!"

"Third graders want to explore their reading, they've been working so hard on learning how to read, and now they're reading to learn. Continuing to find that excitement for students to help them become strong lifelong learners and readers is really important."

"I want students to know that I care and see them for who they are. I want them to know that they have a place in my classroom to grow and thrive at their pace. I want the students to feel loved and cared for and to know that I want what's best for them and will work incredibly hard to ensure they are getting what they need to be successful."