Rasco is president and chief executive office of Reading Is Fundamental in Washington, America’s oldest and largest nonprofit children’s and family literacy organization.
When did you get interested in reading?
I don’t ever remember not being interested in stories and reading. I loved school, I loved the library in the summers, I have always loved to read.
What were your favorite books as a child? What are your favorite children’s books as an adult?
As a child I liked “The Little Engine That Could,” “Heidi” and “Little Women.” I still love those books. Currently I am in the throes of baby board books as I am a grandmother for the first time. Baby William loves any book that has me making funny sounds and dancing around.
Did you see the new movie from the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are?” What did you think?
Haven’t seen it yet. …
Why is it so important for children to read?
Through reading children obtain knowledge about topics that are of interest to them as well as create context for understanding every academic subject including math. For example, just pick up a third- or fourth-grader’s math book and you’ll quickly see how much reading is needed to think critically and problem solve. Reading empowers children by providing a virtual passport to explore the world. They can learn about places, people and things very different from their own experiences as well as see themselves reflected in other children’s lives. Reading is a primary gateway to productivity, satisfaction, pleasure.
What’s happening Tuesday [today]?
RIF will kick off its annual book distribution providing more than 16,000 books to students at 47 public and charter schools throughout D.C. Volunteers and staff will conduct read-alouds Totem Tales in observance of National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Washington Capitals player Brendan Morrison will appear at one of the schools and participate via video with children in Alaska.
— Scott McCabe
