Award Winning Children's Author Praises Reading in Hingham

Jasmine Del Valle stood in front of a packed crowd in Hingham on Tuesday and had tears of joy run down her face when describing how South Shore Stars has impacted her life.

The mother of a young child explained how the Weymouth based youth program helped her child read and helped her enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.

Del Valle was just one of many in attendance at Alma Nove to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Star’s reading program, RISE.

“With programs like RISE, I’m able to give back to my family,” Del Valle said.

 RISE (Reading Is So Exciting), is designed to support parents in their role as their children’s first teacher and to help them foster early literacy skills. 

Award-winning children's author Sarah Lamstein also spoke about the importance of reading to young kids.  While writing, Lamstein said she makes an effort to have her readers relate to the main character, and have a reason to turn the page and keep reading.

“I want kids to be engaged by my very first sentence to my very last,” she said.

Lamstein is best-know for her books, "Hunger Moon," "Big Night," and "Letter on the Wind."

Proceeds from the luncheon celebration will be used to purchase books for the Stars program's preschool lending library and to support family literacy events.

Stars, which is located on Middle Street in East Weymouth, provides comprehensive early education and youth programs that help children across the South Shore reach their full developmental potential. From Early Head Start and preschool to K-12 after school and summer camp programs, Stars works collaboratively with families to foster positive child and youth development.

Recently in Weymouth, the Stars program helped provide academic support for 40 Chapman Middle School students Monday through Thursday from dismissal until 5:30 p.m. They will also help fund a six-week summer component for seventh and eight graders.