In another part of my author life or rather a lovely addition to my author life I have been lucky and proud to be one of the ambassadors and role models for BOOKS IN HOMES AUSTRALIA since 2018.
Books in Homes® is a charitable foundation that provides books of choice to children living in remote, disadvantaged and low socio-economic circumstances, ensuring crucial early literacy engagement and the development of reading skills needed for lifelong achievement. Since 2001, Books in Homes has distributed over 2.7 million new books to children through schools and communities around Australia.
One of the best things about the scheme is the children get to CHOOSE their books. That way they “own” the choices and they’re more likely to read and treasure the books. They even get a lovely bag delivered to carry their books.
Just a few days ago, despite some technical issues, I managed to Zoom in briefly at 7am to the book-giving assembly at Durack State School in Brisbane and see 80 gorgeous smiling faces of 8 year olds about to each receive their 3 books of choice from Books in Homes Australia.
I love being a role model for Books in Homes Australia! It’s an amazing and important scheme and it brings joy to children all across Australia.
I may derive quite a lot of joy out of it myself!
Sasha Wasley 