Children's Literacy

Apparently March was National "March into Literacy" Month.  My college roommate posted an infographic on Facebook during March that I had meant to include here, but I kept forgetting.  It may not be March anymore, but that doesn't mean children's literacy is any less important.  Actually, since Harry Potter is a large part of the graphic and JK Rowling's next book was announced today, it almost seems fitting to write about this today.

The infographic, below, celebrates the most loved children's books and was put together by the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the University of Southern California.

My friend shared this infographic because she thought it was pretty awesome.  I agree, but at the same time some of the facts really make me cringe (see, for example: 2008 - only 24% of 13-year-olds and 17-year-olds report reading on their own for fun).  When I mentioned that, her response was that it was up to the future librarians and reading specialists (in other words, us) to save the world :)  I get her point, but that's a little too much pressure to put on me (at least).  Maybe that's why I have no real interest in being a school librarian.

Regardless of what type of librarian one is, I think all librarians believe in the importance of literacy.  And some of the facts included below are good to have in one's back pocket to quantify just how important literacy really is.

 
Via MAT@USC: Become a Teacher