Creator of Award-Winning "Isla to Island" Visits Words Alive's Teens and Tweens

In April 2024, Words Alive was thrilled to bring Alexis Castellanos, author and illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel Isla to Island, to connect with young learners in San Diego. Thanks to a generous donation by Elaine Galinson, Words Alive coordinated in-person and virtual author visits where Alexis engaged 70 youth in lively discussion, each of whom received a new copy of Isla to Island to keep. 

Isla to Island is stunning wordless graphic novel set in the 1960s that chronicles young Marisol’s journey from Cuba to the United States while exploring what home means to her. This remarkable debut graphic novel quickly landed on several top booklists, including American Library Association’s Notable Children’s Books, School Library Journal’s Best Books of the Year, and the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids.

Why Author Visits Matter

Meeting authors behind the characters we love deepens the context of what we read and encourages learners to imagine themselves as thinkers, readers, and future creators of stories that shape our world. Those moments spark curiosity and can change the way young people view who and what belongs on the page, especially when the authors reflect readers’ identities and lived experiences.

Excitingly, Alexis is an incredibly relatable and relevant author for the youth we serve. As a young adult with a story about immigration, foster care, coming of age, and the refugee experience, Alexis quickly bonded with the youth in attendance. Conversations blossomed in both English and Spanish, including Alexis and the students laughing about the differences between Cuban Spanish and the Spanish spoken in Mexico and Central America.

Words Alive’s most effective author experiences bring writers, learners, and our community together to explore and respond to themes of the text. To increase access and engage multiple partners, we offered a virtual option as well as an in-person event:

• San Diego Public Library:  In early April, Words Alive coordinated a virtual visit from Alexis at the Mission Valley branch of the San Diego Public Library for a spring break camp of 4th – 7th grade students. Intentionally timed to overlap with the second day of Words Alive’s Art & Lit “Graphic Tales” project anchored in the exploration of graphic novels, the visit served as a thrilling introduction to graphic novels and the creative process behind the medium. The students were incredibly engaged and asked many questions; one young person even came prepared with an impressive list of questions that Alexis was more than happy to answer! In addition to the 15 learners in attendance, several Words Alive volunteers supporting our teen programming logged on to participate. Every child received a new copy of Isla to Island, including signed editions for all students who desired them.

• Monarch School: A longtime partner of Words Alive, Monarch School serves young people facing housing instability. In late April, Words Alive brought Alexis to San Diego to visit with three classrooms at Monarch School. Alexis engaged 55 students across 6th grade, 10th grade, and 12th grade classrooms in discussion about her novel and family, the process of creating and publishing graphic novels, as well as her career trajectory in the publishing industry. Students were especially excited to learn about the process behind creating the art and visual layout of the novel, particularly once they realized Alexis uses some of the same graphics software they do at school.  At the conclusion of the visit, Alexis signed a copy of Isla to Island for every student to add to their personal library.

Thank you to the San Diego Public Library and Monarch School for their collaboration in these incredibly successful events. Our deepest gratitude to Elaine Galinson, whose generous investment made these author visits possible.

We are truly grateful for the commitment of our partners to connecting young San Diegans with the power of reading through enabling joyful, engaging experiences between youth from historically disinvested communities and the creators of stories relevant to their lives.

Meet Tanya, our May Page Turner of the Month!

Page Turner of the Month 

This May, we are happy to recognize Tanya Mishra as Page Turner of the month! Tanya has been a Page Turner since April 8th, 2024, and has since read 4 books, totaling 20 hours and 1,024 pages. 

1. Can you give a brief introduction of who you are? (As much as you’re willing to share) 

   My name is Tanya Mishra (She/Her), and I am an Arizona resident. I have a sister, and I am a sophomore in high school.  

2. How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive?  

   I came across this page turners when I was looking online for ways to volunteer to help my community. 

3. What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering? 

   I love to run, play tennis, and read in my free time. I enjoy volunteering at the local cancer hospital to support the patients there. I also like to spend time with my friends and families. 

4. Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community? 

   Yes, reading with page turners has impacted my perspective because it made me realize how important and sometimes difficult quality education can be for some communities to get. 

5. What is your favorite book(s) so far? 

    My favorite book so far is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, because it details the saddening effects of the world war and Jewish persecution on young children. 

Shout out to Tanya for all the time she’s dedicated to Words Alive! We are so thankful for her participation and insight.  

If you would like to join Tanya in their participation, you can sign up to be a Page Turner here.   

2024 Volunteer of the Year: Jane Hopkins

Every year, Words Alive celebrates a Volunteer of the Year whose passion and commitment to Words Alive’s mission creates a truly extraordinary impact in our community. After a decade of bringing stories alive in English and Spanish to hundreds of elementary school students, Words Alive is honored to recognize Jane Hopkins as the 2024 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year.

Born to a family of educators, literacy and education have always been core values for Jane. Her work as a bilingual reading specialist with San Diego elementary students introduced her to Rolling Readers, a nonprofit classroom reading organization. Her passionate volunteer service eventually led to serving on the Board of Directors of Rolling Readers, including being elected to Board Chair in 2009.

Jane and Bruce at Words Alive’s 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Jane joined the Words Alive community in 2014, when Words Alive merged with Rolling Readers to create our Read Aloud Program. She and her husband, Bruce, quickly became beloved members of the Words Alive family. They were even jointly recognized as Read Aloud Program Volunteers of the Year at Words Alive’s 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!

Jane and Bruce’s passion for literacy shines through in their family, including a son who majored in English, a romance novelist daughter-in-law, and a five-year-old granddaughter who absolutely loves reading! Bruce passed away in 2022, though his legacy of service and learning lives on.

Today, Jane volunteers in eight classes at Burbank Elementary and Emerson Elementary. Jane also serves as a site lead for her schools, coordinating book deliveries and tirelessly recruiting new families to enroll in Words Alive’s programming.

Jane is also a remarkable fundraiser. She has volunteered for Champions for Youth - Words Alive’s largest fundraiser - every year we have participated, raising a total of nearly $20,000 by mobilizing her community to invest in Words Alive’s mission.

A cornerstone of the Read Aloud Program is the relationship built between the volunteer “reading role model” and the students they share stories with every week. Even years after Jane volunteered in their classroom, students will eagerly approach her to share memories of their time together and declare they still have the books she gave them!

Words Alive thanks Jane for her years of dedicated service and the impact she has made on countless young readers!

Meet Pranusha, our April Page Turner of the Month!

Page Turner of the Month!

This April, we are happy to recognize Pranusha Appanabhotla as Page Turner of the month! Pranusha has been a Page Turner since November 2022 and has since read fourteen books, totaling 36.5 hours and 2,918 pages.

1. Can you give a brief introduction of who you are? (As much as you’re willing to share)

Hello! I am Pranusha (she/her)! I'm a 7th grader who loves and enjoys reading books, writing, drawing, and building!! I'm very excited to be part of the Page turners community which helps me get closer to my interests, and help others at the same time!

2. How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive?

A teacher recommended it to me!!

3. What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering?

My hobbies are reading, writing stories, STEM building, and drawing!

4. Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community?

I have many hobbies reading and writing which would be my top favorites! To see that by reading I can help my community and others around me brings me joy, especially since technology has taken over many lives! By reading Pageturner's books, I know more about the world around me as well!

5. What is your favorite book(s) so far?

My favorite books are "Mananland", "Apple: Skin to the Core", and "Guero"...These books all focus on people outside my culture, who have many different experiences!

Shout out to Pranusha for all the time she’s dedicated to Words Alive! We are so thankful for their participation and dedication. 

If you would like to join Pranusha in their participation, you can sign up to be a Page Turner here.  

2024 Weekly Warrior of the Year: Karen Miller

By vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Karen Miller is Words Alive’s Weekly Warrior of the Year.

Week after week, Karen is a huge asset to our Learning Kit assembly team, improving processes and leveling up materials while patiently showing new volunteers the ropes. With an incredible eye for detail, her quality control ensures no child receives a kit missing a pom pom or googly eye!

By day, Karen is a quilter making treasures to donate to local children’s organizations. By night, she crochets baby beanies for Mary Birch Hospital and cuts/counts take-home projects for Words Alive. She has three grandchildren whom she adores and they love to ride roller coasters together. She recently began playing mahjong and is hooked.

Now let’s hear from Karen about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

Having taught preschool for 25 years, the mission of Words Alive is a natural fit for me. Children + Teachers + Books = Perfect Trifecta! I also value their inclusive philosophy, respecting each staff person and volunteer as an individual. I love the vibe at Words Alive. It's a happy, vibrant place, buzzing with productivity and camaraderie every week. I look at assembling the learning kits as wrapping a gift and I picture the children opening their gift with a bright smile and diving into a new book. Now, that's a beautiful thing.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Each week I’m reminded that many hands make “work” fun. I enjoy talking with volunteers and hearing their life experiences. I soak up their ideas and methods for a new or better way to get the job done. With Alex’s operations leadership and enthusiasm, Weekly Warriors is thriving and I’m so happy to be a part of the team.

What are you reading right now?

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Yes, that War and Peace. It’s a challenge and I’ve given myself permission to not finish it, if it comes to that.

Any book recommendations?

On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Difficult subject matter yet the most beautifully written prose I've ever read. I learned that the author is a poet and this is his first novel. Bravo! (His name drew me in too.) 

Apeirogon by Colum McCann. I saw this book on the library shelf and said, “I don't even know what that word means.” So I googled the definition, read the book, and then was compelled to research further and watch interviews with the author and the story's real life dads. What a visceral reading experience — is this a true story, are they really forced to live like this, it’s unstable and confused — all of which the author said was intentional because that's the daily reality of the region and the people. Apeirogon is the most impactful book I've ever read, bar none.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

“Don't judge a book by its cover.” Well, that's usually how I select a book - by its title. No book jacket reading for me. I want to know as little as possible about the story so I can read it without preconceived ideas, hints, or spoilers.

2024 Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year: Luann Mathson

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Luann Mathson (née Raposo) is Words Alive’s Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year. Since 2022, she has inspired a love of learning with young children and families in her Family Literacy sessions. As an engineer, Luann is especially gifted at tying themes of science, curiosity, and exploration into her workshops.

The “Let’s Read with Words Alive” Family Literacy Program ignites the love of reading in young children and their families by nurturing book-sharing habits at home through play-centered strategies and building home libraries over 6-week sessions of early literacy workshops.

Luann lives in San Francisco where she is a medical device engineer and was a first generation college student. She is passionate about making STEM subjects and careers more accessible to students and families. She enjoys watercolor painting, running, reading, and traveling in her free time.

Now let’s hear from Luann about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

It brings me so much joy to see kids genuinely fascinated and excited about the books we read together! They point out little details in the illustrations or characters that I’ve never noticed before and often make me laugh. Their unique creativity and imaginations bring fun and excitement to every story. It’s all about having fun, using your imagination, and sparking the joy of reading

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

One time one of my students joined us to read wearing a full Spider-Man costume! We had a lot of fun trying to relate Spider-Man into the story. 

What are you reading right now?

I just got back from a trip to Chile, so I’m reading Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende since it was partially set in Valparaiso, a coastal city I traveled to.

Any book recommendations?

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

2024 Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year: Meg Mandel

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Meg Mandel is Words Alive’s Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year Award. The Adolescent Book Group (ABG) brings books alive for teenagers facing extraordinary circumstances such as unstable housing, systemic racism, and impact by the foster care and/or justice systems. Through projects, writing workshops, and spirited discussions, teens enhance their critical thinking skills, self-esteem, and ability to express themselves.

Meg has volunteered with Words Alive’s young adult programming since 2015, currently facilitating our teen book group at the Monarch School for youth facing housing instability. Her dedication to the students and program, coupled with her thorough preparation for each session, makes her an integral part of the book group team.

Meg lives in La Jolla and is the director of development for Congregation Beth Israel. She serves on the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of San Diego and is in a monthly book group that has been together for more than 10 years.

Now let’s hear from Meg about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I love to read, and being part of Words Alive gives me a chance to share that with others. By fostering a love of reading, Words Alive helps students build confidence, expand horizons, learn about new ideas, and make connections to their own lives. Selfishly, being part of Words Alive is a lot of fun, and I always learn from the students in the class. It’s great to work as part of a team with committed volunteers, passionate teachers, and inspiring students. 

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

I am always energized and impressed by the students' insights and comments during discussions in our ABG sessions.

I have the privilege of working with several students for the second consecutive year. It has been wonderful to see so many of these students participate more actively in our ABG sessions. One student in particular stands out. Last year, he rarely spoke and was very reserved. This year, he takes initiative and contributes to discussions regularly. Watching him gain confidence and share his ideas is inspiring!

What are you reading right now?

I just started Trust by Hernan Diaz.

Any book recommendations?

I could go on and on, but a few of my top recommendations include:  Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, Commonwealth and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love taking advantage of San Diego’s great weather by swimming, biking, hiking, and walking with friends.

2024 Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year: Mercedes Santiago

By vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Mercedes Santiago is Words Alive’s Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year. Reading role models are the linchpin of our Read Aloud Program. Launched when Words Alive and Rolling Readers merged in 2014, this is our largest program directly serving children. Volunteers read weekly in 90+ Title I elementary classrooms schools throughout San Diego County (transitional kindergarten through third grade).

Mercedes is a retired school counselor who enjoys so many activities, including reading, gardening, mentoring, ushering for Old Globe and the student’s performance for the Opera, walking in neighborhoods and hiking in nature, listening to jazz, traveling and exploring new places, meeting up with family and friends, and celebrating life’s ups and downs.

Now let’s hear from Mercedes about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive? Are you familiar with the saying “Each One Teach One.” It’s an African-American proverb that originated in America during slavery when education was being denied to them. Basically, it’s passing on your knowledge to another. It’s all about giving back and enhancing one’s community. As a young adult, I volunteered in the Big/Sister Program and the San Diego Probation Dept., worked as a school health aide in a low income community and enjoyed my 40 years as a school counselor. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of so many family members, friends and mentors that guided me in my life; I’m forever grateful to them. One way I can demonstrate my appreciation is by giving back to the community and by passing on the love of reading to the next generation. I grew up in San Diego and attended schools in City Heights. It's an honor and joy to be back there encouraging students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. 

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive? Upon retirement, I was recruited to join Words Alive by a friend, Charlene Sapien, who is just as passionate as I am to improve the literacy of students. Thanks to her encouragement, I’m pleased to be part of the Words Alive family. 

What are you reading right now? A friend recently gifted me a copy of his first published book, A Dream Immortal: Seven Tales from Seven Realms of the Spirit by Astika Royal Mason. I’m enjoying reading it.

Any book recommendations? So many….Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, Living Untethered by Michael Singer, Rose Code by Kate Quinn, Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

2024 Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year: Brian Fidler

by vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Brian Fidler is Words Alive’s Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year. 

This award is new this year and was created to recognize extraordinary efforts to mobilize a volunteer’s own community to support Words Alive. We tend to think of engagement as “time, talent, and treasure” - Brian goes above and beyond in all of these! In addition to spreading the word about our organization, programs, and volunteer opportunities, Brian helps fundraise for Words Alive by activating his friends, family, and personal network. He also is a consistent volunteer with the Adolescent Book Group and a new member of the Words Alive Board of Directors.

Brian at a pickleball tournament fundraiser he organized for Words Alive

Brian lives in San Diego and is a retired Episcopal priest, who taught and spent 38 years as a chaplain in independent day and boarding schools around the country. In addition to his work with Words Alive, he spends a lot of time writing.

Now let’s hear from Brian about his work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I started volunteering in the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) because of the Words Alive mission “to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.” I continue to volunteer three years later because it makes a difference! Note: Brian also serves on the Words Alive’s board of directors.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Volunteering with Words Alive is energizing because of its great mission, an amazing and hard-working staff, wonderfully talented and committed volunteer teammates in the classroom (shout out to Meg and Darlanne), and especially the young people with whom we work. We’ve had the joy of tracking alongside the same teacher and many of the same students for three years now, and the growth in their love of reading and discussion is gratifying. Not every day in the life of an adolescent is high octane, but we get to be with them on some of those days, most notably when they reveal some breakthrough insight into the reading, or a character, and especially themselves. When you work alongside adolescents, you’re in it for the long game, and it is so totally worth it!

What are you reading right now?

In the ABG program, we’re reading graphic novels now: Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos; Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall; and Citizen Illegal by Jose Olivarez. In my own personal reading, I just finished The Women, by Kristin Hannah.

Any book recommendations?

If you like historical fiction, I would definitely recommend The Women, by Kristin Hannah. In fiction, I’d also recommend The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

In addition to reading, I also love to write.

2024 Curriculum Designer of the Year: Vivian Lin

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Vivian Lin is the Words Alive Curriculum Designer of the Year. Curriculum designers create curriculum guides and learning kits that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand visually. Vivian joined the Words Alive team in 2020 and now serves as our curriculum design lead volunteer, managing a multinational team of other design volunteers. Vivian improves program efficiency and ensures accurate data while leveling up our training materials with her design expertise. No matter the task, Vivian completes it quickly and accurately.

Vivian lives in Los Angeles but says her heart will always be in San Diego. She is a master’s student in applied data science at USC and will graduate in May 2024.

Now let’s hear from Vivian about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

It's very inspiring to be surrounded by great people who share the same passion!

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

I joined Words Alive when I was still a student in UCSD (back in 2020!) and throughout the years, I’ve seen how the organization has grown and become so much bigger than what it was years ago. I love how we always look for new ways to engage the communities we serve. I really enjoy volunteering with the organization and am very proud to be a part of the large volunteer community with Words Alive!

What are you reading right now?

Circe by Madeline Miller