Rasco From RIF

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• 1. Esme Raji Codell  |  October 5th, 2009 at 8:50 am

  I still have my copy of “Ramona the Pest” by Beverly Cleary that I chose at a RIF giveaway at my grade school. About twenty years later, I wrote my own children’s book and dedicated it to her. THANK YOU, RIF!

• 2. Chastity West  |  October 5th, 2009 at 11:35 am

  My first encounter with RIF was in first grade, I believe. My heart ached that day because there was a massive table full of books and all the other kids filed to the back of the room in turns to make their selections. When my row was called I didn’t go and just stared at my desk trying to blink back tears. I didn’t want to see everyone else’s treasures and I certainly didn’t want them to know I couldn’t buy any. At some point, my teacher came over and said I should go back with my row and choose some books. I couldn’t hold back any longer; tears poured and I whispered that I hadn’t brought any money. She hugged me and smiled and said that the books were gifts which meant that we didn’t have to give money for them. I was so relieved and grateful I cried again. She took my hand, walking me to the gleaming mountain of FREE books, and we picked two that became my treasures.

  After that, all through elementary school, I lived for the RIF days. Who were these magical people that brought in folding tables, erected them in the back of the classroom, and then decorated them with more beautiful books than I could dream of owning? It didn’t matter to me then who they were; it only mattered that they were my vehicle through Imagination. Usually we were allowed to choose two books. It was almost too much for me to cope. Deliberation lasted ages while I methodically picked up each book, read its back cover and first few pages. Most of the time I’d select the fattest books that seemed appealing just to prolong the enjoyment of TWO new books.

  In sixth grade I picked The Great Gilly Hopkins and Bridge to Terabithia, both by Katherine Paterson. Bridge to Terabithia is on my short list of most moving books and certainly at that point in my life, it was the top – perhaps it still is. That is the book I recognize as a threshold across my timeline; before Terabithia – babyhood, after Terabithia worlds opened and enlarged, pure enlightenment.

  Indirectly, I’d say RIF helped establish the course for my life. I’ve always loved books, but books are expensive and I was poor. RIF bridged the chasm making my love available and attainable. As an adult, I’m formally studying literature and fiction writing and aspiring to become an expert. Ultimately, simply to inspire the same heart-poundings, giggles, and dry mouths that so many of my favorites evoked in me.

• 3. anne  |  October 6th, 2009 at 9:02 am

  Thanks for this lovely post today. My first experience with serious reading which started my love of books and reading was when I walked over to the public library nearby and found the entire Anne of Green Gables series. At that time they were large hard cover books which I enjoyed thoroughly and were memorable and special. I was transformed by this and it still is a fond memory.

• 4. Donna  |  October 6th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

  When I was a child, we moved often because my dad was in the U.S. Army. I went to 3 different schools in the 1st grade. But no matter where we were stationed, I could always turn to books and feel a sense of continuity. My friends, Dick, Jane, Sally and Spot (from the ‘Dick and Jane’ readers) were at every school.

  Although there was no RIF program when I was in elementary school, the school library was a wondrous place! I could borrow a book and escape in its pages for hours.

  My first introduction to RIF was as a RIF Coordinator for a school on a military base, one that holds a special place in my heart. I still get excited about discovering new books as I pour over the pages of a catalog, looking for just the right ones to purchase for the RIF book distributions. When the books arrive, I get to look through the pages and escape once again, if just for a few moments. At the book distributions, my heart is full of joy as I listen to the chatter, watch the children select their special book, and reply , “Yes, you get to keep it forever.”

  RIF gives so much to our children and their families, but it also gives many gifts to me as a coordinator.

• 5. Margo Jantzi  |  October 8th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

  Clishie was a beloved kindergarten teacher who impacted my literacy growth. As I moved through the elementary grades she would often connect with me. One day at recess, Clishie handed me a paper bag. Inside was the Newbery Award winning book for the year. Her passion for books has continued to inspire me daily as I work with students in our library media center.

• 6. Krista M  |  October 9th, 2009 at 8:24 am

  My students took 2nd place in your Choose Your Own Adventure writing contest. That had so much fun participating, and they still talk about it today. It was a great way to get my students reading and writing. Thanks for all your wonderful contests and ideas to get kids reading and writing!

• 7. Michelle  |  October 15th, 2009 at 9:12 am

  When I told my parents I would be a RIF coordinator, I figured I would get the standard, “What’s that?” or “Oh that’s great.” Instead my Dad’s face lit-up, something that does not often happen when discussing books, and excitedly told me, “I know what RIF is!” He began to tell me when he was a little boy (about 40 years ago) that RIF brought books to his neighborhood. A bus would come and the kids would line-up, go inside, and chose a book. He came from a family with 5 children and getting anything new was exciting but books were especially fun because my grandmother loved to read. RIF not only brings books to children but brings generations together!

• 8. Margo Jantzi  |  October 20th, 2009 at 4:42 am

  Deepest gratitude to RIF,

  We received the “Duck Soup” book today with the lovely author signature.

  This will be a treasured addition to our PreK-5 library media center collection.

  Gratefully,
  Margo Jantzi
  Cub Run Elementary Library Media Center
  Penn Laird, VA

• 9. Donna  |  October 20th, 2009 at 11:46 pm

  A wonderful package arrived in the mail this week – Jerry Pinkney’s “The Lion and the Mouse”.

  The illustrations—oh my! A beautiful gift that I get to share with children. How wonderful!

  Thank you!

• 10. Courtney  |  October 28th, 2009 at 8:40 am

  I remember on my first day of first grade my mom giving me my very first chapter book, “Betsy – Tacy,” that we read together each night.

• 11. Gail Ayres  |  October 28th, 2009 at 9:33 am

  My first experience with RIF was 10 years ago as the first RIF coordinator for our school. I had never heard of the program but I fell in love with it immediately! We are a Title I school in a rural area and many of our children had never owned a book before RIF. Many did not have books in their homes. Our students could not believe they could “keep the book forever”! One little girl even asked me to write a note home to her mother because she was afraid that her mother would not let her keep it! I began writing letters that day to send home with the each students My letters explain what the RIF program is and how it works. This has helped get parent volunteers to work at our “RIF parties”. We have a party on RIF day! Each child selects their own book and we serve refreshments. We choose a theme and decorate. The first time I see students at the begining of school they always ask when is RIF? Thank you RIF for getting books in to the hands of our students. Our first RIF party this year will be November 17 and our theme is “A Decade of Reading with RIF”. We are inviting some of the kindergarten students who participated in RIF the first year to come and read to students and tell them what RIF has meant to them. They are in the 10th grade at Falkville High School this year.

  Gail Ayres
  Library Media Specialist
  Falkville Elementary School
  Falkville, Alabama

• 12. Carolyn McClellan  |  October 29th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

  I have been with RIF for the 10 years at Falkville school
  I enjoy seeing the children receiving their books. Some of them so excited by saying read it to me.

• 13. Gail Ayres  |  November 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 am

  Thanks RIF! I just received my free autographed copy of
  “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” Our students will love it!
  Gail Ayres
  Falkville Elementary

• 14. Jalonda Smith  |  November 3rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm

  My first interaction with RIF was as a volunteer. I did not even know that such a thing existed. The kids getting free books amazed me, and I fell in love with the program. I can understand when the children don’t believe that the book is free. Because when I was a child I would not have believed it either.
  I have been a volunteer since then, and will remain one as long as Falkville and RIF will have me. My best memory of RIF would have to be when I was selected as the VOYA and came to Washington D.C. Everyone in the main office was so nice and warm, which did not surprise me. It takes a special kind of person to be involved with RIF.
  We are having our own RIF birthday party on November 17th, “A Decade of Reading with RIF”, and I can’t wait. Obviously the kids can’t wait either, they ask me when RIF is constantly. Not – when is the party or what kind of party -but, “When is RIF, you know, that day when we get a free book?”

  Jalonda Smith
  RIF Coordinator
  Falkville Elementary
  Falkville Alabama

• 15. Michelle M  |  November 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 pm

  Wow – so glad to hear this program is still going strong. When I was like ten years old, my elementary school held a RIF week that coincided with a read-a-thon. Never having heard of a read-a-thon before, I thought that was the coolest idea ever – you get to read all day long? Awesome! It had something to do with pirates and I still have some little pirate figures in my scrapbook and even won a copy of “Scary Stories to tell in the Dark.” So much fun.

  Thanks again, this was an awesome program!!

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