The parting of the curtain during a school assembly at Baltz Elementary School Wednesday drew shouts of joy from students, who were part of an ongoing mission to promote literacy equity.
(speaking in the video: children's author Matthew Swanson; Baltz Elementary School 2nd-grade students; Baltz Elementary School Library Media Specialist Christina Personti)
Author Matthew Swanson and illustrator Robbi Behr of Maryland's Eastern Shore spent last year traveling the country in their school bus / home. With grant backing and foundational support, they are continuing with their mission to get free books and "reading buddy" Build-a-Bears into the hands of students.
According to Swanson, in many of the Title 1 high-needs schools that they partner with, resources are limited.
"It's really special to be part of it, and to be part of this community of joy," Swanson said. "Baltz is a place full of incredible teachers, the librarian here is exceptional, so we feel really privileged to be here today."
That librarian is Christina Personti, Baltz Elementary Library Media Specialist. She found out about the couple's Busload of Books mission at, of all places, a bookstore.
Through keeping in contact, a visit was arranged and Wednesday was the big day.
"When they opened that curtain... the energy was just amazing," Personti said.
Swanson and Behr continue their partnerships with First Book and the Build-a-Bear Foundation.
Red Clay Consolidated School District Superintendent Dorrell Green took in the excitement.
"This truly is a learning experience for the students here at Baltz that I'm sure the staff and students will look back and remember for a lifetime."
