As part of Grasonville Elementary School’s African-American History Month celebration, I was asked by Reading Specialist Kathy Barletta, to read Jamal and Me to the first graders. They were an attentive and delightful audience and we enjoyed talking about Jamal and all of his challenges. A big thank you to Kathy Barletta and the first grade staff for welcoming me so warmly into your school.
“We were so delighted to have Dr. Franks-Randall visit Grasonville Elementary School again and read to our first graders for African American History Month. The students were so intent as they listened to the story Jamal and Me. Dr. Franks-Randall answered lots of questions about why she created the characters the way she did in this story. And it was wonderful for the students to have the author explain her reasons. Our visits with Dr. Franks-Randall are so enjoyable and her books are so relatable to the students. We look forward to her next visit.” Kathy Barletta, Reading Specialist, Grasonville Elementary School
“Jamal and Me” is engaging and sheds light on so many relatable topics that are going on in the lives of young children. They connect with it and can see themselves within Jamal and how to make his success their own too.” Rachel Seward, First Grade Teacher, Grasonville Elementary School