Each day millions of children arrive in American classrooms in search of more than reading and math skills. They are looking for a light in the darkness of their lives, a Good Samaritan who will stop and bandage a bruised heart or ego.

Neither books nor people have Velcro Sides -- there must be a bonding agent -- someone who attaches child to book.

Students who read the most also read the best, achieve the most, and stay in school the longest. Conversely, those who dont read much cannot get better at it.

What we teach children to love and desire will always outweigh what we make them learn.

Skill sheets, workbooks, basal reader, flash cards are not enough. To convey meaning you need someone sharing the meaning and flavor of real stories with the student.

We have instant pudding, instant photos, instant coffee—but there are no instant adults.

Story is the vehicle we use to make sense of our lives in a world that often defies logic.