Pilgrim Park student, Janavi Wagle, compiled an impressive and expansive book list entitled My book list that helped me survive 2020 for the local blog, Our Sunday Project. Wagle's list includes 31 award-winning young adult books that she read during 2020.
"Every book that I read taught me a lot about the lives of children in different parts of the world and important issues like poverty, homelessness, racism, family, friendships, illnesses, gun violence, immigrants and refugees," Wagle reflected. "Reading these books and writing blogs about them has helped me develop a positive perspective on life in a difficult year. Thanks to this literature I feel I am more knowledgeable, empathetic and inclusive."
The list even caught the attention of authors featured on the list such as Laurie Halse Anderson, Ann Braden and Gennifer Choldenko who had the following to say:
I am honored to see my book included in this wonderful list! Thank you, Janavi! ♥️
— Laurie Halse Anderson is on semi-hiatus to write (@halseanderson) February 2, 2021
What an honor to be on such a fantastic list! https://t.co/dBJyrdmjSr
— Gennifer Choldenko (@choldenko) February 3, 2021
What an amazing list of books you've read, Janavi! I'm so glad they were able to help you get through this past year, and I'm honored that THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS is among them!
— Ann Braden (She/Her) (@annbradenbooks) February 8, 2021
"I felt it would be helpful to share these books and their perspectives and life lessons with other kids my age," said Janavi. "Today, I truly believe the saying that 'books are the windows to the world.'" Keep up the great work and reading, Janavi! You can read her book list here.