AAIM 2019

Books are more than just dog-eared best friends; they are often a route of escape for young teens and adolescents. But some of the best books not only provide entertainment, they also can be a source of solace and companionship. They also can educate those who otherwise would never understand the experiences of their peers.

Can we talk about drugs? Sex? Eating disorders? Trafficking? Depression? Finding the right literacy that highlights social issues without praising them can help the isolated child feel like they've found something to be their voice while creating a lifelong trust in literature and building a culture of reading, and finding a creative outlet in writing may help them find their own voice.