For Morgan Jerkins, author of Wandering in Strange Lands, it was Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin that inspired her to write about "the gorgeousness of African-American lives."
The journey to literacy is different for everyone, but the power one holds with the ability to understand is profound. "Books give me kingdoms to rule over, monsters to battle. Books give me worlds I can carry in my purse," Chokshi explained. And finally, we asked these wordsmiths a tough question: in one word, what does literacy mean to YOU? Power. Dream-building. Communion. Connection. Hope. Happy Literacy Month, everyone. Let's all pick up a book and wield our superpower.