And so today I wore my new blue Kuspuk – me, power dressing. And I remained as upbeat as was humanly possible as I passed out books to appreciative readers.

I kept a wary eye on the so called literacy specialists, setting out their Native-based board books – and as they did so, taking up the side table next to me and the wall shelf in front of me. I tried really hard to be friendly and personable, but this was hard because, yes, they were overstepping their boundaries. I did this by reminding myself that books are books, and any and all books deserve readers. But us humans, we can be very territorial.

I went to lunch. I was told beforehand but was surprised when it happened – I was presented with an award – a plexiglass plaque and a certificate of appreciation. I was dubbed an ambassador of literacy. A speech about our

Alys receives award

project was read in our honor, so I did not have the opportunity to speak. Too bad – I would have said that this was a group effort. Standing there was actually easy work – all I had to do was stand there and look humble.

After, seven Alaskan educators trooped up the stage after me and also were presented with awards. After, a lot of educators came by the Bright Lights Project Booth and remarked that I’d worked hard for this award. My unspoken response was, how did they know? All they were seeing was what I had on hand.

It was nice to be honored, considering back on the home front Pete was salvaging three truckloads of books. I knew this because I called him to tell him about the award. And as I spoke, I thought, maybe he should have gotten the award.

My getting this award had the same effect that having a cup of caffeine has in that it was at least momentarily energizing. I thus had the energy to call Brian and Judy and ask them to take me to Title Wave so that I could get more books. It was then déjà vu all over again, except this time I was going to get books with differing individuals and in a differing vehicle. Again, there was the downstairs carry, and the late afternoon set-up. I’d say that one third of the second batch of Title Wave books went to different teachers than had the first batch.

I am confident that the remaining books will be taken by noon tomorrow, that is when Pete comes and picks me up. We’ll visit for a bit with Judy and Brian, and maybe even take a walk. Then we’ll go home. It’s odd, in arriving home, even after a weekend away, it always seems like I’ve been gone a long time.

And, of course, I am now wondering how the Palmer-based events went.

The focus of the science of reading is on phonics. This, to me, seems like another toolkit for the educator’s box. Some students will take to it, and some will not.

I feel as though I’m generalizing. I’m now at the 18-mile point of the literacy marathon. I’ll continue this race although I am not sure, nor will I ever be sure, how I’ll place.

Next: 118. 4/30/23: Say thank you