The University of Houston (UH) Zeta Omega Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), which is an International Honor Society in Education, has made a significant book donation to the UH Charter School.  Approximately 250 books were given to the school’s library.  Because the UH Charter School meets the needs of children through the fifth grade, KDP chose to donate picture storybooks.

Due to KDP’s generous donation, the children at the UH Charter School are reading and enjoying the latest publications in the genre of picture storybooks. “If we can be even a small part in motivating their love of literature, then we have reaped rewards far greater than the gifts,” said Department of Curriculum & Instruction (CUIN) clinical associate professor and KDP counselor, Suzanne DaVanon.

The donation is a part of KDP’s annual Literacy Alive project. “Each year we, as an organization, find some way to awaken literacy in the lives of children,” said DaVanon. “This year the project was extremely special because it took place on Read Across America Day, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.”

DaVanon, along with CUIN clinical professor and KPD assistant counselor, Eleanore Tyson, clinical associate professor and CUIN associate chair, Margaret Hale, and CUIN undergraduate student and KDP chapter president, Amanda Flores, donated their time.  “They had a wonderful time with the children and many others at the Charter School,” said DaVanon. “Many books were read and many stories were shared.”

"I'm very proud of Kappa Delta Pi and its accomplishments," said Flores. "Literacy Alive gives us the opportunities to contribute to children's education. I enjoyed the time I had to read to the students and do activities."

“It is always very rewarding to see young students get excited receiving new books,” said Tyson.  “We’re so pleased that we were able to provide a large assortment to the UH Charter School, and we hope that each child will discover a favorite that he or she will return to again and again.”

The book donation was due to the contributions of retired CUIN professor Richard Abrahamson.  When Abrahamson arrived at the University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) in 1977, he began to build the children’s and young adult literature program.  After many professional journal articles and numerous speaking engagements at conferences and conventions, publishers began to see Abrahamson as a notable figure in this field. As a result, boxes of books began to appear at his office door for him to read and often review.

“Many times he would say that opening each box was like experiencing Christmas all over again,” said DaVanon.  “Although Dr. Abrahamson has retired, the boxes of books still come and in the spring of each year we find a school filled with children who would love to journey through the pages of these wonderful pieces of literature.”