2. Why books? ● Reading is a fundamental of education ● Books are critical in the telling of humanity's story ● Books can be used to help a person observe, slow down and focus ● Many resources can be found in books that could aid in economic and personal development

3. Reading is a fundamental of education ● The ability to read is one of the most telling tests of where a person is ● Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and much more are all found in books

4. Reading is a fundamental of education ● Crime and illiteracy are closely related. The Department of Justice states, "The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure." In America's prisons, over 70% of inmates cannot read above a fourth grade level.

5. Books are critical in the telling of humanity's story ● Where would we be if humans didn't have a desire to tell stories and preserve them?- the Bible, Beowulf, hieroglyphics, etc ● The absence of communication is a form of torture- solitary confinement ● Whether the students recognize it or not reading and writing are very important to them- texting, facebook, twitter, etc

6. Books can be used to help a person observe, slow down and focus ● Our students are usually accustomed to constant sensory over-load. ● The simple act of handling communicative tools like books enables a person to strengthen their observation skills.

7. Many resources can be found in books ● InnerChange Book Collective ● Curt Degeman ● Inspiration, identity, guidance

8. My Project: Book Club

9. Last Semester

10. This Semester

12. Book Club Resources commonsensemedia.org whichbook.net whatshouldireadnext.com bookadventure.com

13. Our Library

16. Book Exchange

18. Books As Art (future project)

19. Evelin Gonzalez Artist In Residence

21. Thank You