Meet our September Page Turner of the Month!

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!

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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!

Want to learn more about the Page Turners? Find your next great read here!

February Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. Our amazing February Page Turner has read over 60 hours worth of books since she first joined.

our February Page Turner of the Month is…

Ileana Vazquez

1) Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

I began volunteering with Page Turners initially because I found it to be a great opportunity and I was interested in incorporating the experience into my senior project. The more books I read, the more I wanted to keep reading with Page Turners! The books I read had such engaging, diverse experiences and I think it's important that other students like myself are able to experience those stories as well.

2) What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

Pride by Ibi Zoboi was the best book I’ve read with Page Turners. As a fan of the novel Pride and Prejudice, I really appreciated the diversity and the celebration of Afro-Latino culture in the book!

3) What city are you based in?

Denver, CO

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Want to become a Page Turner? Get started below:

January Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. This month we are honoring two! The newest additions to our Page Turners team- our interns!

our January Page Turners of the Month Are…

Ashlie Morrison and Shanaya Malik

What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

The best book that I've read with Page Turners has been Yes No Maybe So, by Aisha Saeed and Becky Albertalli because the two main characters were both minorities, and I appreciated the book's representation of race and culture. I also found that it had discussed politics and other real-world issues while also being a cute romance novel, so it was entertaining as well as educational!

Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

I started reading books with Page Turners as I thought that having to read books as a form of community service would be a wonderful opportunity considering that I'm a bookworm! I continued because I realized that the books that Words Alive offers are so diverse and open to touching on subjects that schools often don't educate students on, so I liked being able to understand more about life through those books.

How has being a Page Turner changed the way you read or think about reading?

I would say that being a Page Turner has changed the way I read and think about reading in the sense that it has made me more open to learning about different issues in the world and being able to view subjects from a different perspective. I think that Words Alive has allowed me to better understand the importance of diversity and having a willingness to discuss subjects that are important in society and the world.

What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

I’d have to say the March Trilogy by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. It was really engaging way of seeing the civil rights movement from a current perspective and shows the legacy John Lewis left behind.

Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

I started reading books with Page Turners because I needed something to do during quarantine! I’ve always loved to read so when I found out there was an organization that needed volunteers to read and review books I jumped at the chance. I’m really glad I did because it has been a rewarding experience!

How has being a Page Turner changed the way you read or think about reading?

Being a Page Turner has helped me expand my perspective. I think most people are drawn to characters which represent them and being a Page Turner has encouraged me to read books with more diverse characters and perspectives, which I’ve really enjoyed!

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Are you part of a key club or organization who wants to develop a project with Page Turners? Email [email protected] to get started!

Are you a book lover who wants to read books for Page Turners?

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December Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. Our amazing December Page Turner of the Month has read a whopping twentynine books since she first started in August

our December Page Turner of the Month is…

Tejaswini Knanaparthy

1) What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

The best book I've read with Page Turners so far is If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth.

2) Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

My school's Key Club offered reading for Page Turners as a service opportunity, and I was interested in reading many of the books that were under review.

3) How has being a Page Turner changed the way you read or think about reading?

As a Page Turner, I've been able to gain more exposure to literature by analyzing a wide variety of genres of books. In addition to my grammar and critical thinking skills being improved, this has allowed me to really consider new perspectives and relevant issues going on.

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Are you part of a key club or organization who wants to develop a project with Page Turners? Email [email protected] to get started!

Are you a book lover who wants to read books for Page Turners?

November Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. Our amazing November Page Turner of the Month has read a whopping twenty nine books since she first started in August.

our November Page Turner of the Month is…

Cheryl Converse-Rath

Thank you Cheryl!

Although she only joined Page Turners in August, Cheryl already stepped into a major role on our BookFinders team. She helps to manage our Page Turners reading list and scout for new books to add to it. It’s the perfect fit for Cheryl, a self-professed “book nerd”.

1) How did you get started with Words Alive?

I signed up as a volunteer tutor with Oasis this year. Because of Covid, the tutoring will be online and had not yet started, I wanted to find some other way to get started. Kristen from Oasis "introduced" me to Jose Cruz from Literacy San Diego. He suggested Words Alive and I am so happy he did!

2) What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

So far, I have only read 3 books for Page Turners- 2 elementary and Moxie. I have read several for Words Alive so that I could do 1 pagers for Write Now. Those are Born a Crime, Internment, Anger is a Gift, and The Poet X. Honestly, I have enjoyed them all. With the exception of Born a Crime, which I read a while back, none of them are books I would have read on my own. I thought Anger is a Gift was especially timely for what has been going on in our country.

3) Why did you start volunteering with Page Turners and why do you continue?

I retired from teaching middle school in June. I had planned to get lots of travel in, but then Covid...

I LOVE to read and I also love sharing books, talking about books, writing about books. In case you haven't guessed, I'm a real book nerd! I love the mission of Words Alive and Page Turners. There are so many worlds open to readers- anything I can do to foster that is wonderful!

4) How has spending time volunteering for Page Turners affected what you read or how you think about reading?

I have always loved to read, so it is just a way to continue to look at books for non-adult audiences. I know that having literature where anyone can see themselves is important. I am excited to discover new books that I can share with my teacher friends and friends who are grandparents.

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Are you a book nerd who wants to read book reviews and scout out new books for Page Turners? Attend a volunteer orientation to become a BookFinder!

Want to become a Page Turner? Get started below:

October Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. Our amazing October Page Turner of the Month has read a whopping twenty nine books since she first started in August.

our October Page Turner of the Month is…

Noshin Akhtar

Thank you Noshin!

You and Page Turners like you improve Words Alive programming by identifying diverse, engaging, and inspiring books that we can integrate into programming.

1) How did you get started with Words Alive?

I actually had no idea what Word Alive was until I joined the #CaliforniansforAll Summer of Service 2020 program to find a useful way to use my free time over the summer and as a means to help the world cope with COVID-19. I wanted to find a way to help people out while staying safe at home. Another concern for me was school. I didn't want to participate in something that would take away from my priorities. I knew I would read in my spare time like usual, and decided why not? If I could help people out at the same time as doing something I always do, it would definitely be a win-win situation for me.

2) What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

I loved a lot of books that I read, but I'd say my absolute favorite would be The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins simply because I have been anticipating the Hunger Games prequel ever since it was announced. In terms of books I was newly introduced to, my top three picks would be Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From by Jennifer De Leon, Jackpot by Nic Stone, and The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.

3) Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

As I mentioned before, it was actually not because I had previous experience with Words Alive, but because of hours I needed for the #CaliforniansforAll Summer of Service 2020 program and my high school community service requirements.  Once I found the Words Alive's Page Turners program, I knew instinctively that I needed to take part in this book-loving community. I love reading and decided that joining Page Turners would be like hitting not just two birds with one stone, but three! I would be getting hours, helping people out, and having fun while doing it! This was the perfect opportunity for an overenthusiastic bookworm like me!

4) How has reading books for Page Turners affected you?

I have been introduced to books I never would have heard of before -- and some of them became my favorites! It also helped me to get started on some books I had lying around the house that I could never find the time to get to. 

5) What city are you based in?

I'm up in Santa Clara, but I have loved the Los Angeles/San Diego area from a young age. I actually used to live there with my parents a long time ago for about a year or so when I was just a toddler. Some of my favorite places are there -- including Hollywood, Disneyland, and Universal Studios. 

Want to become a Page Turner? Click the button below:

September Page Turner of the Month

Every month we like to highlight one of our superstar Page Turners. Our awesome September Page Turner has read a whopping seventeen books since she first started in July. Six of the books she read have already been chosen for curriculum thanks to her insightful reviews! Such books include Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson.

our September Page Turner of the Month is…

Anika Mehra

Here is a little bit about myself: I started reading books with Page Turners because books have always been a source of comfort for me, and so I was excited to have this way of helping others find this love for reading as well. The best books I have read for Page Turners so far have been Educated by Tara Westover and The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman.

Thank you Anika! You and Page Turners like you improve Words Alive programming by identifying diverse, engaging, and inspiring books that we can integrate into programming.

Page Turner of the Month: August 2020

Page Turners are a HUGE help to Words Alive. You help us identify diverse, engaging, and inspiring books to include in our curriculum! In thanks, we have decided to celebrate a Volunteer of the Month to show our appreciation. In August, our first-ever Page Turner of the Month is…

Jazmyn!

Jazmyn has read and reviewed nine books for Page Turners, and is in the process of reading two more! Two of the books she's read have already been migrated to our Adolescent Book Group Curriculum. We asked Jazmyn some questions about her time as a Page Turner:

What has been the best book you've read with Page Turners?

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Why did you start reading books with Page Turners and why do you continue?

I needed service hours for the National Junior Honor Society and I love reading and realized once my service time ended, I still wanted to keep on reading these books taking myself out my comfort zone with some of the topics/genres I was reading.

How has being a Page Turner helped you?

It's given me access to books I never would have thought of and forced me to think about things I can change going on in my world.

You can sign up to become a Page Turner right here!

Meet Our Page Turners Intern: Annika Schafer!

We are so thrilled to welcome Annika Schafer as our first-ever Page Turners intern. Annika was our Student Volunteer of the Year last year and now she is stepping up to help us grow our exciting Page Turners program!

You can sign up to join Page Turners right here! Learn more about Annika below:

My name is Annika Schafer and I just started as Words Alive’s first-ever Page Turners Intern (picture of me and the book I'm writing curriculum for above)! I am beyond excited to work with you—our volunteers—on expanding the Page Turners program and getting some really amazing books into the Words Alive curriculum!

​​​​​​​A little bit about me: I am a junior at Wellesley college all the way across the country (outside of Boston, MA) but I was born and raised here in San Diego. That’s how I got to know Words Alive! I organized a Words Alive book drive in high school and went on to volunteer as an office volunteer and curriculum writer during my college breaks. They couldn’t get rid of me if they tried!

Then, when COVID-19 hit, I found myself back in San Diego with time on my hands to help out a whole lot more with the organization I had grown to love so much! ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​You can reach me at [email protected] if you ever have any questions about the Page Turners Program—whether you are a new volunteer, you have questions while reading, or you have a book to suggest. I am excited to hear from you!

Happy reading!