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96 Years Old and a Kindle by Jennifer Hendrix
As a teacher of reading, I understand the importance of matching readers and books. It is a crucial practice I set into motion the first day of school. Not only do we need to understand readers’ likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, it is imperative to keep the conversation with readers going throughout the year as their interests and needs change. It is a challenge that reaps huge rewards, both for readers and teachers.
This past year as I read aloud Lois Lowry’s beloved Number the Stars to my class, I noticed that a student went straight to the World War II shelf in the library each week. He poured through every book our library had to offer. So, I fueled the fire and offered every age appropriate book regarding WWII I could find. Not only was he reading the books, he was passing the books onto his mother to read as well so he would have someone in which he could share the experience.
As a class we delved into an American Revolution study. Another student became enthralled with Sybil Ludington, the American heroine who made a famous midnight ride warning towns the British were coming. He, too, tried to find everything he could put his hands on regarding her intriguing life. I, too, joined in the search and tried to find books and articles he could read to keep building background knowledge.
Not only do teachers come to know their students as readers, students come to know their teachers as readers. When a fifth grader was deep in The Matched series one day and suddenly burst into tears, the entire classroom of readers began to flood her with voices of concern. All she could say was, “I thought he was going to die, but he didn’t!” I had not read the series, and I was curious what would cause a ten-year-old to break down into tears. As soon as I inquired about the series, her response was, “Oh, Miss Hendrix, you would love this book!” So, what did I do? I went to the library and checked out the first book in the series.
As a teacher of reading, I know the importance of making sure I keep current with books that will interest children. It is kind of my job, right? It wasn’t until recently that I realized we do this for all the people we care about in our lives. My grandfather, who turns 97 in August, has always been a reader – a slow methodical reader, but a reader none the less. Four summers ago his body went into kidney failure. As a result, he now goes to dialysis three days a week.
He took his newfound condition like a pro and found ways to make it a positive experience. Just like he always does, he quickly made friends with the entire facility’s staff and marched through the doors each trip armed with his suitcase of essential items: a blanket, the crossword puzzle of the day, headphones, and his flip cell phone he has had for ten years. Unfortunately, for a reader who finds himself with hours of down time bound to chair, a book became too heavy to hold while one arm was occupied with needles. We all knew his plight so a family member decided to give my grandfather a Kindle, hoping he could read it each day he goes to dialysis. Secretly, I thought what in the world is he going to do with a Kindle? How in the world is he going to upload books? Good grief—that was the worst idea ever!
Little did I know that I would learn something from this sweet man who was given a Kindle. What do you do when your grandfather asks you to help him get started? Well, you help him get started and use every ounce of patience it takes to teach a nonagenarian with arthritic hands to navigate the foreign icons and touch screen. Not only did he think it would be easier to hold with one hand, he was determined to use it. Who was I to doubt such a gift would be useful?
I set him up with two Louis L’Amour books, and he was good to go. Six months later, I was visiting him, and he said, “Jenny, I need another book. Can you help me?” Knowing his means to find new books was not as easy as it used to be, I immediately began researching books I thought he might enjoy. I knew he also loved biographies, so I checked the bestseller lists to find some possibilities. Just like I do with my students, I did book talks with five books I thought he might enjoy. He made his choice, and I went to the computer and uploaded his next read.
I kept that list knowing I would probably be doing this again! A few months later I got the call, “Jenny, would you help me with another book?” This time I had moved 1500 miles away, but we made it work. My mom got the Kindle, I uploaded the book, and sweet Granddaddy was good to go with another great book to occupy his time while sitting in a dialysis chair for hours on end. It has become a family effort, yet we have found a way for him to pass the time quickly with a beloved book in his hand.
You see, we are all a community of readers.
Matching books to readers extends beyond the walls of our classrooms. It reaches the important people in our lives who we think can make it on their own. The 96-year-old grandfathers in our lives may need us to support their reading life. I should have known that, and I should never have doubted the gift of reading the Kindle afforded my sweet grandfather.
His latest comment, “I am really going to like this new book…”
I am glad, oh so glad.
After teaching in Alabama for 18 years, Jennifer Hendrix moved across the country to Colorado. She is currently a teacher at East Elementary in Littleton, Colorado. When she is not learning and laughing with her fourth graders, she is reading, running, and trying to keep up with friends and family scattered across the country.
What a wonderful post. We are all readers. 🙂
You book talked your grandpa! What a joy.
I love this post so much. We’re all just readers wanting to share a story. It always makes me smile when a student asks me, “How did you know I would love this book?” and the only answer I have is, “Because I loved this book.”
This is a beautiful tribute – not only to your amazing grandfather, but to the entire family. You obviously care enough to give the very best – your time.
Wow! What a great article. I’m blessed to have taught with you!
My mother-in-law, who wasn’t quite 97 and who was quite computer savvy, loved how the Kindle made any book into a large-print edition. Having one extended her reading life once her eyes started failing, though she also needed help with the selecting and loading of books.
Sweet story! I am reminded that we take for granted what amazing access we have to books. It’s wasn’t so easy just 15 years ago, and still, it isn’t easy for everyone. Community service ideas are brewing….. Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer.
Many of our elderly library patrons have tried ebooks, some with more success than others, but we’re always willing to help them download their selections right from our website–a great free resource now found in many public libraries. Loved the stories of your 5th graders, as well. You sound like an awesome teacher!
Beautiful and eloquent and even more interesting than Tuesdays with Morrie. Reading, one of the few activities that can be a lifelong companion. I have to remind my athletic sons this on a regular basis.
Lovelyx
Thanks for sharing your story. I too have known people who have had trouble seeing or physically handling books, and it’s wonderful you could show your grandfather a new way to read.
Audio books work well too. Kindle has a deal with Audible.com, and there is also the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html). People can call with requests, and the NLS will send audio books to their doors.
What a wonderful article!!!! I knew your Mother in Pine Bluff. Your students are so lucky to have you!
Loved reading your story of you teaching your grandfather how to use a Kindle and help pass the time away while on dialysis.
I purchased a kindle for my 83 year old mother. I created a note card that showed her how to download free kindle books. I gift books to her that people have told her she will like and she mentions to me. She has even begun to leave reviews on Amazon. Her reading increased after my father passed away and she spent hours awake at night. No one is ever too young or too old.
Love this post! Helping others to find that just right book – such a joy. I use to do this for my mother. It was great fun talking books with her. I miss those days. Enjoy them while you can.
Thank you for sharing the enchanting kindle book journey with your Grandfather.
What a wonderful writer you are too! So proud.
Beautiful post
Great post. Thanks for the story.
Very funny!