Nancy Jooyoun Kim, author of The Last Story of Mina Lee, put it perfectly when she wrote, "Books are a way of preserving not only stories but our cultural history and memory." From the ability to read an informational pamphlet at the doctor's office to studying classic texts, literacy is a gift that bridges the space between ourselves and the world around us. She explained why she believes literacy is a worldwide necessity. "Stories are how we understand ourselves, as individuals and as a society. I think of books as proof of our humanity." Promoting literacy starts with empowering our children and caregivers, giving everyone equal access to the necessary educational tools, and encouraging a passion for learning through books.