Texas A&M University–Central Texas presents the “Read Today, Lead Tomorrow-Warriors Supporting Young Readers” university-wide book donation initiative as a part of this year’s Convocation activities, hosted by the Curriculum and Instruction Department of the College of Human Development and Education. The event will take place at the Bill Yowell Conference Center in Warrior Hall on Aug. 22, where donation boxes will be available throughout the day starting at 9 a.m.
This year, the department has set a goal to collect 100 new books to donate to a local elementary school, aiming to foster a love of reading and support educational resources within the community. With plans to make this drive an annual university tradition, the department has selected Southwest Elementary School in Belton to be this year’s recipient of the donated books.
Southwest Elementary School, established in 1951, stands as the oldest operational campus within Belton Independent School District (BISD), educating approximately 400 students annually. With it’s great Spanish-speaking population, the school offers a unique Bilingual program that supports Spanish-speaking students learning English at each grade level.
A&M–Central Texas faculty and staff members are encouraged to participate by donating new children’s books appropriate for kindergarten through 5th grade. To aid participants in selecting appropriate books, Southwest Elementary School’s librarian, Michelle Martinez, has provided a recommended list of authors, known for their appeal to children within the specified age range:
- Kwame Alexander
- Katherine Applegate
- Jan Brett
- Margaret Wise Brown
- Mac Brown
- Eric Carle
- Roald Dahl
- James Dean
- Kate DiCamillo
- Sharon M. Draper
- Alan Gratz
- Vashti Harrison
- Kevin Henkes
- Jory John
- Jeff Kinney
- Jon Klassen
- Gordon Korman
- Patricia MacLachlan
- Dav Pilkey
- Jerry Pinkney
- Peter Reynolds
- J.K. Rowling
- Dan Santat
- Brian Selznick
- Tui T. Sutherland
- Raina Telgemeier
- Mo Willems
- Jacqueline Woodson
- Kelly Yang
- Jane Yolen
Principal of Southwest Elementary School, Felicia Gibson, alongside librarian, Martinez, will attend A&M–Central Texas’ Convocation to thank donors for their contributions.