Nicole

“Stories help us ready ourselves. For joy, for sorrow, for growth. They teach us empathy. They let us practice being better humans.

Sadly battles over children's access to books have increasingly put librarians and teachers on the front lines. But in the end, locking up books always fails because words have wings. Stories, as Ivan comes to realize, have a way of taking flight one way or another....as long as we have free libraries and dedicated teachers, loving parents, and curious children, I know we'll be okay.”
― Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Family

“I want them to know
that banning a book
is like banning a hug
and THAT is a dismal storm
no child should be left behind in”
― Kwame Alexander, Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Letters, Recipes, and Remembrances

“Being brave means going up to people and saying, "Here's what I believe. I trust you," he said. Trust is the scariest thing to give but it is the most powerful.”
― Tae Keller, Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

“Please remember that when adversity is drawn out of the shadows and recognized, we ensure that human beings living under oppression—past and present—know they are not forgotten.

Together we can shine a light in dark corners of the past.

Together, we can give history a voice.”
― Ruta Sepetys, I Must Betray You