Reviewed by Ginny H. 

Mark has been sick for a long time and after receiving bad news from the doctors, he's had enough. He's angry, scared, and just wants to disappear. So he does.

Mark sets out with his dog, Beau, to climb Mount Rainier. He encounters all kinds of people and obstacles along the way, all the while documenting his travels with his camera and writing haikus. While he misses his mom and dad and his best friend, Jess, he keeps going, even when he starts getting sicker.

This book was a really intense adventure novel. I found myself relating to the character in huge ways. The bond between Mark and his dog, Beau, was so relatable and real. When they got into some of the more dramatic parts, I was literally holding my breath!

If you like adventure and action, you'll love this book by Dan Gemeinhart.

Reviewed by Aubrey D. 

What is wet, white, cold, and soft? Snow of course! For squirrel and his friends snow is a new adventure that they can't wait to experience. Meschenmoser's sketchy illustrations are charming and his characters are endearing, a great book for sharing one on one!

Find it in the Children's Picture Book Collection!

For the first of an ongoing series of conversations with our volunteers and learners, we asked VITAL volunteer LuAnne to chat with tutor Dennis Davoren and learner Adam Garmon about what makes their partnership successful. 

Adam has worked in construction and other hands-on trades, although these days he is on medical leave awaiting open-heart surgery. "I can make just about anything," he says. "I could build you a house." Dennis is retired, and while he has spent only a year as a VITAL tutor in literacy, prior to moving to Bloomington from Louisiana, he was a math tutor for more than a decade. Adam and Dennis have been meeting for weekly sessions since July 2018.

Adam, what motivated you to join VITAL, and what keeps you in the program?

I had to read a lot of paperwork at my job delivering kitchen cabinets for installation. That paperwork makes me nervous, and I could have been a supervisor by now if I'd been able to do it. I've had trouble reading and writing for a long time, and tried getting help at other places. Nothing really stuck until I came to VITAL, and I have my sister to thank for that. She knew about the program and told me that I had to try it.

What learning tools have you found useful?

Lexia [an interactive online literacy program that learners can access through VITAL] has been great. Just this week, I spent 256 minutes on Lexia. I look at that number and I can say, "I did it. I did this today." It's helping me get better at reading and sending text messages on my smart phone, too.

Dennis, in your opinion, what is the most important work that VITAL does?

The adult literacy work can alter the course of someone's life, and VITAL has the resources, and provides the support, to make this work possible. 

The Lexia Core 5 program defines a pathway for learning in a structured and logical way. It's cleverly done; it's work, but with the aspect of a game. English is very idiosyncratic, and Lexia provides a way to navigate idiosyncrasies.

Adam is able to do things now that he couldn't do six months ago. Initially, he was texting solely by dictating. Now, he'll dictate and then check the language, and he'll try to read incoming texts before turning to the translator app to help him out.

Adam's appetite for learning is matched by Dennis's patience and commitment: that match-up is essential for a successful VITAL tutoring partnership. What's ahead for Adam? "Continuing to work on reading and writing. I'm hands on. That's how I learn."

The ILF Tom Zupancic Literacy in Libraries Award recognizes community advocacy for literacy by an individual or organization in cooperation with a library. VITAL received this accolade for promoting the importance of literacy and adult education at the library. Since VITAL’s inception in 1977, our program has helped over 6,500 learners achieve their personal learning goals.

Community partners and individuals offered their support of VITAL stating:

“VITAL has not only created a learning place for adults -tutors and learners - but a community of trust and acceptance. Because of this community, learners feel able to ask for help with day to day problems.” – Antonia Matthews, VITAL tutor

“I have found VITAL to be a valuable community partner. Since our adult education program conducts instruction in groups, I refer our students who need individual tutoring to VITAL in addition to, or in place of, our classes. Likewise, VITAL refers its customers to us when they are ready for whole-class instruction that would lead to passing the high school equivalency tests, enhancing their English language skills with a larger peer group, etc.” – Rob Moore, Director of Adult Education at Monroe County Community Schools

“VITAL and MCPL have opened their doors to our community making us feel a part of the public library's community. For many Spanish speakers it is difficult not only to learn English but to be able to help their children to do well in school. Our work in conjunction with VITAL addresses this issue.” – Daniel Soto, La Escuelita Para Todos Principal

“I have found the VITAL Office to be a very safe and respectful environment to visit with adult Spanish-speaking English language learners interested in identifying English as a New Language conversation groups and tutoring resources in the community.  …the VITAL program is an essential library and community resource for literacy and English language acquisition that consistently goes the extra mile in advocating for and serving the residents of Monroe County, including recent migrants from Spanish-speaking countries” – Jane Walter, Health Projects Coordinator/Executive Director El Centro Comunal Latino

Learners are always welcome, and tutors are always needed.

• Learn more about VITAL
• MCPL/VITAL Zupancic Award Press Release