My Girl Scout group is a collection of intelligent and passionate girls who are well on the way to making the world a better place.
Recently they voted to dedicate time and energy to helping teens in Juvenile Hall. We are still in the research phase so I’m not sure where this will lead them; but personally, I found these directions for parents and guardians to be incredibly interesting and thought-provoking:
You may bring in one (1) paperback book for your child, with their name and unit number written on it, to be placed in a receptacle in the lobby. Please note that the book becomes the property of KMJDF or EMJDF after your child leaves the facility.
It makes sense. As Maya Angelou said,
| “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” ~ Maya Angelou ~ |
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I love the idea that books are allowed – and are, in fact, the one allowed sort of gift. Of course I am also sad to imagine why they have to be paperback…
What is the right book to bring to your child in that situation? Total escapist fantasy or romance? Or do you try to bring a book with characters struggling with a similar sort of problem? Do you go old-fashioned and try to find stories with shiny golden characters who always do the right thing– in hopes that a lesson will be learned? Do you bring him/her old favorites or something new?
I can’t wait to hear the girls’ ideas…
Sarah Wones Tomp
WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK
