News – Judy Campbell-Smith

World Read Aloud Day 2023: Zoom with a Self-Published Author or Illustrator!

World Read Aloud Day 2023 is just around the corner! This year’s annual celebration will be on February 1 and is brought to us by LitWorld and Scholastic. On World Read Aloud Day, authors and illustrators celebrate the power of reading aloud by volunteering their time to read to children around the world via Zoom!

I learned about World Read Aloud Day from author Kate Messner who is coordinating author and illustrator volunteers who are traditionally published. To check out that list, visit Kate’s website! (Also, shout-out to Kate Messner because she already figured out this whole process & I’m 100% copying her–THANK YOU, KATE! )

Here’s Kate’s description of what a WRAD visit looks like:

WRAD VISITS AREN’T LONG OR FANCY PRESENTATIONS. USUALLY, THEY LAST 10-15 MINUTES AND GO SOMETHING LIKE THIS:
– 1-2 minutes: Author gives a quick introduction & talks a little about their books.
– 3-5 minutes: Author reads aloud a short picture book, or a short excerpt from a chapter book/novel
– 5-10 minutes: Author answers a few questions from students about reading/writing
– 1-2 minutes: Author book-talks a couple books they love (but didn’t write!) as recommendations for the kids

I’m so happy to be coordinating the self-published authors and illustrators who are volunteering their services to read on WRAD 2023! I know there are some amazing authors and stories on this list, and I hope they all get a chance participate in WRAD this year!

TEACHERS & LIBRARIANS, here’s how to connect with an author or illustrator to Zoom with your classroom or library on World Read Aloud Day:

Check out this List of Self-Published Authors & Illustrators, and visit their websites to see which ones might be a good fit for your students.
Contact the author directly by using the email provided or clicking on the link to their website and finding the contact form. Please be sure to provide the following information in your request:
- Your name and what grade(s) you work with
- Your city and time zone (this is important for scheduling!)
- Possible times to connect on February 1st. Please note authors’ availability and time zones. Adjust accordingly if yours is different!
- Your preferred platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
- A phone number where you can be reached on that day in case of technical issues
Please understand that not all authors will be available at all times. It may take a few tries before you find someone whose books and schedule fit with yours!

IF YOU ARE A SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR OR ILLUSTRATOR WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST, fill out this form to sign up: SIGN UP: World Read Aloud Day 2/1/23 – Call for Self-Published Author Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS, once your schedule is full, please send an email & I’ll remove your name from the list as soon as possible.

Have fun, everyone!

World Read Aloud Day 2023 – A Call for Self-Published Author & Illustrator Volunteers!

World Read Aloud Day 2023 is coming! On February 1, 2023, authors and illustrators from around the world will do virtual visits for schools and libraries.

LitWorld, which created World Read Aloud Day, explains it this way:

LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud to create community and amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right. Since then, World Read Aloud Day has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from communities all across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and sharing stories, and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.

Author Kate Messner has been organizing a sign-ups for traditionally published authors & illustrators who want to volunteer their time on World Read Aloud Day. Here’s her description of what a WRAD visit looks like:

I saw Kate putting out a call for authors & illustrators to volunteer, but she wasn’t able to include self-published volunteers at this time. SOOOOOO, I decided to go ahead it do it!

If you are a self-published author or illustrator, and you would like to be listed as a WRAD virtual read-aloud volunteer, please fill out this form to sign up: SIGN UP: World Read Aloud Day 2/1/23 – Call for Self-Published Author Volunteers

Teachers & Librarians, please stay tuned because I will post the list and you will be able to get in touch with any volunteers who fit your needs/time zone.

Are you a self-published picture book, middle grade or YA author?? I hope you’ll sign up and spread the word!

My Statement the Freedom to Read

Recently in my community, there was an attempt to have The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families by Rachel E. Simon removed from the children’s section of our local library. The person who challenged the book wanted it moved to the adult section, calling it inappropriate. Fortunately, our library board decided not to do that and the book remains in the children’s section where it belongs. I am proud to be among a group of local community members who went before the library board to voice our support for their decision and to make sure we spoke out against book bans and challenges. I encourage you all to remain aware of what is happening in your communities, and support the Freedom to Read wherever you are.

Here is the statement I gave to the library board:

My name is Judy Campbell-Smith. I support the inclusion of The Every Body Book in the children’s section of the Ontario library.
I have read the Every Body Book and can say that is factual, informative, and straightforward on the topic of puberty and sex. It is not pornographic as some have suggested. The book is actually similar to other kids’ puberty books in the library, but is distinctive in that it is written in a way that affirms LGBTQ people and their experiences. This isn’t some hidden agenda; it’s right there in the books’ subtitle. As a parent, I personally would be fine to read this to my child and I don’t believe they would be damaged by coming across this book.
If a book is offensive to me, or contains information I don’t want my child to read, I should monitor my child’s reading activities. Other parents are free to make a different choice. Some parents in the community want a book like The Every Body Book to read with their kids, and there are kids in our community who want and NEED this book for themselves.
As an author, I know not everyone will like or agree with things I write, but I understand that not every book is for everyone. But it would be troubling to know that those who disagree with my work are able to block access for others who want to read it. The Every Body Book went through a review process to be included in the library’s collection in the first place. This challenge has caused it be re-reviewed again and again. I hope the board will continue to stand by its own policies and procedures, using best practices, including the Freedom to Read regarding this book and all others going forward.
As a community member, I am aware that LGBTQ books are being challenged and banned in increasing numbers around the country. These challenges, including this one here with The Every Body Book, are unfair and marginalize LGBTQ individuals in our community. I hope we can treat each other the way we want to be treated and remember that the library belongs to all of us in the community. Thank you.

October 11, 2022