A library book does not introduce the person who put it in a child's hands. Warrensville Heights asked that person to do it on video. The same Read With Me open is here. Dr. Richard Reynolds, director of student wellness for the district, says the books were picked so students read something reflective of who they are.
Ali Jamal Boyd is the branch manager at the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Warrensville Heights. He is reading Derrick Barnes's *I Am Every Good Thing*. Before he starts, he gives two reasons. The book shows young Black boys loving each other and exploring the world. And Barnes went to Jackson State, the same college Boyd attended. The video is about six minutes. The reading is most of it. The reason is the part a family cannot get from the cover.
Another district, or a library next door to one, hiring Beacon for this kind of video is buying a reader the neighborhood already knows. The book can live on a shelf. The video can say why a man who grew up with that school chose it.
Read transcript Video dialogue and narration
[00:00.000] Hello, I'm Dr. Richard Reynolds, Director of Student Wellness and Innovative Program here at Warrensville Heights City School District.
[00:26.240] Thank you for participating in the Read With Me book series. We designed this program to ensure that we are providing students with the opportunity of reading more books that are reflective of who they are. We were intentional and selective of our readings in our effort to be more culturally responsive. We hope that you enjoy.
[00:46.160] My name is Ali Jamal Boyd. I'm the branch manager of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Warrensville Heights branch.
[00:52.240] When I picked this book, I Am Every Good Read, Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James for two particular reasons. One because it shows young black boys in a positive light. It shows them loving each other, playing together, having a great time, and exploring the world. And I also picked it because the author, one of the authors, Derrick Barnes, went to Jackson State University. That's a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi. I also attended that college.
[01:22.200] I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James.
[01:33.080] He reads the book. That reading runs to about 05:38.
[05:38.100] That was I Am Every Good Thing. I hope that book inspires you. It's a wonderful story of young black boys doing very positive things. I hope it inspires you to be a leader, to be a great son, to be respectful, and to be a wonderful citizen.
Plain text copy, including the reading the model heard: /workspace/beacon-case-studies/media/ali-jamal-boyd-i-am-every-good-thing-1136651260.txt
