By Charles Warren, The Freelancer, V&V Contributing Writer
On Saturday, April 26th, hundreds of families, educators, and young readers gathered at the historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park for the 41st Annual Children’s Book Party, hosted by Mr. Roosevelt Brown and his nonprofit, Reading Literacy Learning Inc. The beloved event, now a San Diego tradition, promotes literacy by giving children free access to books, live entertainment, and educational enrichment.
Each child in attendance received at least two free books and a healthy snack, with many arriving by bus from schools and neighborhoods throughout San Diego County. The excitement was palpable as kids explored book tables, enjoyed live cultural performances, and shared the joy of reading with their peers.
Emcee Jamarr Brown energized the crowd and spoke passionately about the event’s impact. When asked to describe the day in one word, he responded without hesitation: “Powerful.” He elaborated, saying, “I think that the most important thing a child can learn in his or her life is the power of their own mind and the power of knowledge. To see all these children here—learning, growing, understanding that the sky’s the limit—is inspiring. Their minds are expanding through cultural performances, through the books they’re going to read. No one’s on their phone—they’re paying attention, learning, and growing. They’re understanding the power of their mind.”
The Children’s Book Party continues to be a cornerstone of community outreach, igniting a passion for reading in new generations and fostering educational equity.
How are families fostering a love of reading in their children? Are we demonstrating through our own habits the value and rewards of reading?
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