Books Are "Proof of Our Humanity" — 7 Bestselling Authors on the Power of Literacy

Nancy Jooyoun Kim, author of The Last Story of Mina Lee, put it perfectly when she wrote, "Books are a way of preserving not only stories but our cultural history and memory." From the ability to read an informational pamphlet at the doctor's office to studying classic texts, literacy is a gift that bridges the space between ourselves and the world around us. She explained why she believes literacy is a worldwide necessity. "Stories are how we understand ourselves, as individuals and as a society. I think of books as proof of our humanity." Promoting literacy starts with empowering our children and caregivers, giving everyone equal access to the necessary educational tools, and encouraging a passion for learning through books.

The power of passing down literacy to later generations is the message Literacy Month stands behind; the written word and the ability to read are the pillars of education and progress. "Literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write," said Lauren Billings, one half of Christina Lauren, authors of the upcoming In A Holidaze. "It's about seeking out understanding, entertainment, and human connection through words!"

While these authors each found their calling at different ages, they all found their individual voices through books. For Nina LaCour, author of Watch Over Me, she always felt an anxiety in school when it came to reading: "It feels important to share that many writers didn't find the learning part easy!" Now a Printz Award-winning author, she is proof children of all learning abilities can overcome any challenge and find a love for reading.

Literacy can connect us beyond culture, geography, and even language. Roshani Chokshi, author of The Gilded Wolves series, said her parents passed down a love of reading through retelling myths and legends — "because stories, not language, connected us to our Filipino and Indian heritage." However, it was Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black that made her imagination "go from a flatworm of a thing to a basilisk rearing its head and hissing: ...we can do that?"

"Literacy connects us to each other and reminds us we're not alone," wrote Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places. Niven wrote profoundly, "Literacy spreads love and empathy and hope."

For Morgan Jerkins, author of Wandering in Strange Lands, it was Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin that inspired her to write about "the gorgeousness of African-American lives."

The journey to literacy is different for everyone, but the power one holds with the ability to understand is profound. "Books give me kingdoms to rule over, monsters to battle. Books give me worlds I can carry in my purse," Chokshi explained. And finally, we asked these wordsmiths a tough question: in one word, what does literacy mean to YOU? Power. Dream-building. Communion. Connection. Hope. Happy Literacy Month, everyone. Let's all pick up a book and wield our superpower.