Kelly has always been an avid reader, the kind who generates their own force field that keeps out conversation, explosions and such while engrossed in a book. She can walk while reading, including manoeuvring up and down stairs, but she cannot keep track of time, remember things like meals and bedtimes, or engage in civilized conversation. In fourth grade, Kelly …

Sheila Ruth learned to read peering at the pages of Analog Science Fact & Fiction and F&SF magazines over her father’s shoulder. By fourth grade she was reading the stories of Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Andre Norton, and Robert Heinlein (except for a few naughty ones her parents wouldn’t let her read). In fifth grade, a teacher put a …

Gina fell in love with books very early on. Once she discovered the local library, it was all over. By the time she'd reached 6th grade the local librarian knew her so well, she'd have a stack almost as tall as the quiet girl that would come in every day and leave almost stumbling over with her pile of books. …

Liz Jones is a fan of visual storytelling who began accumulating picture books for her children at least a decade before they were born. She'd never read a graphic novel before volunteering with the Cybils back in 2007, as graphics are in short supply in her area. She was awestruck at the range and depth of the genre when the …

Learning how to read was magic for me. It opened up a new world – one where I could go anywhere and do anything. When I grew up, I helped others enter this magic world – I taught Kindergarten ESL and first grade, and helped children learn how to read. Now I recommend great books for this magic stage on …