I called the Battenkill Bookstore, my local bookstore, today and asked them for suggestions about a book to each of the 37 Bishop Maginn High School students who will be graduating in a ceremony at the Albany Cathedral sometime this summer – all socially distanced, as required.
We kicked around a bunch of options, from journals to different kinds of storybooks, but we came up with the perfect idea.
Battenkill has been through an awful time, shut down for weeks during the Pandemic, and they still aren’t permitted to open up completely.
I thought it would be wonderful to help the bookstore, which has suffered greatly and also give the refugees something memorable to take from their graduation, along with the caps, key chains, sashes pens, and baby candy jars.
The students have had a truly dreadful time also. The book we came up with will be perfect – it’s called Navigate Your Stars by National Book Award Winner Jesmyn Ward.
If any of you are looking for the perfect book to give a child or grandchild or godchild for graduation, this is the one.
It’s a beautiful and touching storybook about encouragement and empowerment, I read a chapter online and was deeply moved by it. I ordered 37 copies which will cost a little over $500.
It was cheaper on Amazon, but independent book stores have a right to live, and they too need support. I don’t want to live in a world with one online store.
I have the money to pay for it, but if anyone wants to help you can do so via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
The refugee students were walloped by several different storms – most of their parents lost their jobs, most got sick, they struggled with food, and lost their graduation ceremony, which is so important to these people.
I am so happy to be able to help.
The school has fought hard to have a graduation ceremony, which will be difficult to organize. My role was to fill a gift bag with some momentoes, and l also chose to look for inspiration.
I can’t do better than this book.
If anybody wishes to help with some small donations, that would be great. If not, I completely understand.
Jon, I really like the photo accompanying this essay.
I checked out the book, and I think you’re right – it’s a perfect pick. I bought one from Watchung Booksellers (you may remember them…) and I’ll buy one for one of your students too. Will send you a check in the mail and avoid the paypal costs.
Thank you for your bigger than life heart.
Thanks much Jonne, and say hi to the Watchung Booksellers for me, a wonderful book store, I hope they are ok..
Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss is an excellent book for graduates.
Our school use to give that book to the eighth grade graduates. Great Seuss book for them.
Perfect book, Jon! The author herself (and her family) overcame many difficult challenges …. not the least of which was being black in Mississippi! We lived for a time quite near where she is, and she was often interviewed on our TV stations, and her books always in the libraries…..she is amazing. This is such a perfect book for the refugee children, who have and will continue to overcome challenges. Great choice!
Thanks Pam, I had the same reaction