School and Community Winter 2024

“That’s where my brother goes to school!” a student shouted. “That kid looks like me!” “I’m gonna be in the band when I grow up!” The book gave kindergarten students a sneak peek of the opportunities waiting for them at higher grade levels, so they were immediately excited about their future as Jackson Indians and, eventually, Jackson graduates. Parents reported that their students asked to read the book nightly and some could read it independently! As the word spread, former graduates reached out to purchase copies. I also have it on good authority that at least one big, tough high school senior was brought to tears when they saw the spread that features the high school football stadium on a Friday night. It’s not just the emotional impact that makes me proud of this project — I’ve written other books that make people cry! What makes me especially proud is that this book has the power to make an authentic impact on learning and helps students take pride in their educational community. Other key takeaways: • The customized illustrations match district demographics so students see themselves represented on the pages. The picture book format and the scenes of graduation allow our youngest students to see themselves as an active participant in their own successful futures. The familiar context ensures students have ample prior knowledge of the text, and therefore improves comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. • •

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Parents who graduated from the district can connect their own experiences to the pages, which prompts additional learning conversations between parent and child.

As an author writing for the traditional children’s book market, I’ve mastered the art of writing books that appeal to the masses - that aren’t TOO niche and that will sell widely. But, through this project, I’ve learned the power of personalization! Children’s book critic Imogen Williams once wrote that a customized book “broadens, rather than narrows the book’s focus; it makes explicit the idea that they are welcome here, in the world of the written word.” Our book, “Jackson: A Celebration of Our Schools” shows students they are not only welcome in the world of books, but that they also have a home in our schools. That’s what education is all about!

Chelsea Tornetto taught in the Jackson R-2 School District for 17 years. She now writes for children full-time and coaches others through the process with At Home Author, an author coaching company. If your school district would like to create a custom book, reach out to her at www.chelseatornetto.com.

A review of research from the National Literacy Trust found that personalized books: • Lead to a 40% increase in reading comprehension. • Have a positive impact on children’s learning engagement, confidence and ambition.

• Enhance positive shared reading experiences between parent-child.

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