Each month Words Alive recognizes participants in our Page Turners program in appreciation for the thoughtful feedback they share when reviewing titles we are considering for our classroom programming.
This month, we are proud to celebrate Carleen O’Reilly for her contributions to the Page Turners. Since joining the Page Turners in 2020, Carleen has reviewed 11 titles (reading over 900 pages), totaling 32.5 hours spent volunteering for this program. Thank you for your insightful feedback and endless passion for connecting children, teens, and families to the power of reading!
Now, without further ado, let’s learn more about Carleen!
Q: Let’s start with a brief introduction—tell us a bit about yourself and how you came across Words Alive and the Page Turners program!
A: Hi! I am so honored to be the August Page Turner of the Month! I first learned about Words Alive when a colleague of mine started as the Executive Director. Yes, I'm talking about the brilliant Rachael Orose.
Q: How did you get started with the Page Turners program?
A: Like so many with downtime during COVID safer-at-home directives, I started to look for remote opportunities and remembered seeing Page Turners on the Words Alive website.
Carleen poses with family in front of trees.
I never considered myself to be a "reader," so I started with elementary-aged books to share with my sons, like "The Undefeated" and "The Proudest Blue: A story of Hijab and Family". When my older son transitioned to middle school, I did too. One day, he walked into my room and saw "Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen" on my dresser. I noticed him read the title and I asked if he knew what the word 'transgender' meant. He said "Yes, there was a character in one of the graphic novels you got me with a transgender boy." Never did I think that reading these books would spark important conversations with my 11-year-old to learn more about how he sees and understands society.
Q: Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community?
This program has inspired me so much, and I have recommended it to several friends as a way to volunteer their time. By far, my favorite book has been "The Best At It." It was a fun read and I could see a bit of myself struggling to embrace my place in school and understand how my family's culture played a significant role in who I am.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of volunteering?
A: Outside of reading, you can find me chasing my boys around Memphis doing all the sports and playing outdoors. I look forward to many more titles to recommend to the Words Alive bookshelves!