READ TOGETHER DIAMOND BAR 2022

Read Together Diamond Bar ended on Saturday, November 19 with a stimulating talk by author Wendelin Van Draanen.  Her book, Wild Bird, was the RTDB 2022 suggested read for the community.  It was an interesting afternoon with Ms. Van Draanen talking about her books and encouraging our young essay winners.  She presented the prizes to the top three entries. 

Do you have a book you would like to suggest for RTDB 2023?  You can respond to this email with your suggestions.

HOW A BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE

TEEN ESSAY CONTEST

Many interesting and well-written essays were submitted for the 2022 How a Book Changed My Life essay contest.  We are always impressed and amazed at the wonderful and thoughtful essays we receive….and this year is no exception.  Thank you to all the students who shared their essays with us.  The three top entries were announced and recognized on Saturday, November 19 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at the closing event for Read Together Diamond Bar.  Wendelin van Draanen, the author of Wild Bird spoke about her books and also shared many ideas to help all the writers in the audience.  All three essays are first place winners.  The winning essays are on display at the Diamond Bar Library for the next month.

Kean Yang wrote to Arthur Conan Doyle and thanked him for his writing about Sherlock Holmes. As part of her essay she noted, “After reading your book,  I finally understand why people in the past begged to go to school and stole books to read.  The beauty of literature and the power of words can change a person’s life.  As Frederick Douglas put it, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”  I believe I have found freedom.”  Kean is an 11^th grader at Diamond Ranch High School.

John Patrick Bragado wrote to author Randy Ribay about his book Patron Saints of Nothing.  John mentioned in his essay “a moment from the book especially resonated_ with me was when Jay mentions the distinct smell of stepping out from the airport terminal and into the thick, hot Manila air.  It was a detail so simple, yet so profound to me.  The mention of that smell brought me back to my  family’s biannual visits to our homeland, overnight stay in the bahay kubos or bamboo huts of my Tito’s farm, holding my mom’s hand as we weaved through Manila’s traffic.”  John is a 12^th grader at Garey High School

Joyce Luo wrote to Kelly Yang about her book Front Desk.  "Front Desk taught me many lessons I carry even now, and will throughout my life—I know to remember my roots, and how I came from a long line of hard workers.  I know the significance of my identity, and to never let anybody undermine me for it.  I know to find support in real friendships and to love unconditionally.  But most importantly, I know to chase after what I want, and to never stop until I get there."  Joyce is a 9^th grader at Diamond Ranch High School.

Click here to View the More Information About Diamond Bar Friends Of The Library E-Newsletter - December 2022