Re: 4 More Favorite Books, & special memory to share!

["Joanne E. Ladewig" <shatz@LIGHTSIDE.COM>]

Netters - Sure have been enjoying this thread! There must be a lot of us
who grew up in the 50's since we enjoyed so many of the same books.
Patricia's remembrance of "Karen" jolted my memory bank a bit -

One of my favorites at a very young age was the story of a little girl who
is unable to play with her friends because she has "weak legs" - perhaps a
reference to polio (story was circa early/mid 50's), or another disease. I
can still picture her glancing out a window, watching her friends romp
out-of-doors, while she sat with her doggie (cocker spaniel probably)
nearby. I think the title was "The Little Ballarina."

Her mother enrolls her in ballet classes, and the story has a happy ending
of course - the ballet exercizes strengthen her leg muscles and she
eventually gets toe shoes and a pink tutu - and a spot in the ballet
performance! What a sweet story - inspirational and taught me compassion
for those with challenging circumstances, and yes, thankful for the
blessings of health and wholeness!

Another heart-jerker, and inspirational - "Angel Unaware" - by Dale Evans
Rogers. I cry every time I read it. What precious people Roy and Dale
were/are (Dale's still with us)! "Little Lame Prince" as well as "The
Little Prince" were also favorites.

We didn't have elementary school libraries here in California (at least not
the one I attended in the mid-sixties), but I will never forget how
wonderful it was when our city was the recipient of a REGIONAL LIBRARY, and
within walking distance of our school! In forth grade I never dreamed I'd
be working there part-time while in college!

But I have my mom to thank for most of my reading memories - she read to
us, and lots of other kids! After her death I even found a newpaper
clipping and photo recognizing her as a reading volunteer for children. She
eventually became a social worker, then a children's protective service
worker, and when she retired, she worked part-time at a local school
library. She enjoyed it so much that when my children were both back in
school, I applied for the same position at another school in the district.
She passed away five years ago and I had the pleasure of selecting a
special collection of books from monetary gifts I received in her memory.
The books are well-loved, and well-used at the last school (she served
three schools over the years)she worked at. The joy of reading is a gift
that goes on and on! Be encouraged! We are all touching lives!


Joanne Ladewig
Information Center Director
Fairgrove Academy
(a K-8 public school focusing on the Visual and Performing Arts, and
Technology)
La Puente, CA
jladewig@ns700-1.enet.hlpusd.k12.ca.us     (all lower case)
home email: shatz@lightside.com

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