Third Grader Spreads Love of Reading
Rockhill Elementary received a special gift from third grader Antoinette Grimes- a Little Free Library.
Antoinette loves to read and wanted to share her passion with as many people as possible, so she asked her family to help her look for a little free library to donate to her school.
“I hope more kids can get books,” Antoinette said when asked why she wanted to donate the library.
Reading wasn’t always an easy subject for Antoinette, but she has worked hard since first grade to grow her skills and read at her grade level.
“Reading was pretty hard,” Antoinette said, explaining how she worked to become a better reader. “I would pay attention in class and read harder books.”
Antoinette’s principal, Michelle Balderson, recalls her stopping by the office and asking for books to take home and read. Every couple of days, Balderson would give Antoinette a few books. She would return to the office a few days later having read the books and ready to take home a few more.
“She is such a hard worker,” Balderson said about Antoinette. “She really just wants to learn.”
At first, Antoinette really liked reading Dr. Seuss books, but as her skills grew she found a love for the Billy B. Brown books.
When picking out what books should go in the library, Antoinette wanted easy books for kids just learning to read and harder books for those who want to challenge themselves. Since she was generous enough to donate the library to Rockhill, the school decided to help her stock the library with books.
The books inside aren’t just for children, adults are able to donate and take books they are interested in as well. Antoinette hopes everybody will find enjoyment from the little library and reading a good book in the same way she does.
As for Antoinette, she plans to continue to read and to get better at it each day by practicing reading out loud to her cats and her mom. This is her last year at Rockhill before moving onto Northside Intermediate School next year. She is looking forward to fourth grade and hopes they have plenty of challenging books for her to enjoy.
The little free library is located out front of Rockhill near the street. Everyone is encouraged to take a book and give a book in its place for others to enjoy.