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An adult reading program sponsored by the Ontario Library Association.
2010 Golden Oak™ Award Winner
One Hen: One Small Loan Made a Big Difference
by
Katie Smith Milway and Eugenie Fernandes (Kids Can Press)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Acceptance Remarks by Katie Smith Milway
I would like to thank OLA and all who voted for One Hen for the Golden Oak award. I cannot think of a more heartening vote of confidence for the story of Kojo, which I was privileged to write, than the votes of adults pursuing literacy. Literacy - both reading, writing and financial literacy are the building blocks for entrepreneurship. And those of you working hard to improve your skills are demonstrating the personal initiative of true entrepreneurs. Kojo started his entrepreneurial venture with one hen. Language learners start with one word...and I, my illustrator Eugenie Fernandes and the real Kojo, Kwabena Darko, all applaud your efforts and are thrilled that the words you've most appreciated are the words of Kojo's story.
May your language learning propel you to your next set of opportunities, and as you pursue them, may you share that learning with others and so, as Kojo did, see your families and communities changed for the better.
Again, my deepest thanks.
Katie Smith Milway
Adults who join literacy programs want skills to accomplish everyday tasks such as filling in job applications, writing notes and taking messages, reading bills and understanding statements, and reading package directions and medication details. Adults rarely say they want to read books for pleasure. There are good reasons for this. It's hard to find adult books written at a beginning to intermediate level. It's hard to say that you don't read well, but would like to read a book on your own. It's hard to know what you would like to read when you might never have read a book before in your life.
The Golden Oak™ Award reading program provides a unique opportunity for new readers in adult literacy programs to read books chosen specifically for them. They can read the books by themselves, with their tutors, or as part of a reading group. Where possible, audio formats are included on the list. Adult new readers are encouraged to read one, two, or all of the books and
share their thoughts with their classes and through our "What do you think?" forms.
Support Materials
If your literacy program already has a reading circle or book discussion group, or if you always wanted to start one, the Golden Oak™ Book Club is ready made for you. A website of support materials contains information about each book, a profile on each author, and discussion questions that will get readers thinking about the books they are reading. Better yet, ask learners to post their comments on the Web site and find out what other learners think or mail in their comments using the form in the kit.
Registration
Registration opens is November and closes at the end of May! You will receive an on-line password for the password-protected sites of support materials. One registration fee covers all the learners in a single literacy program.
Book Awards
New readers in adult literacy programs will choose the books that will receive the Golden Oak™ Award through a voting process on-line. Information about the voting process will be posted on the Golden Oak™ password-protected Web site.
Public Libraries
For public libraries, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local adult literacy programs and to promote library service to adult new readers. Contact your local adult literacy programs and offer to "booktalk" the Golden Oak™ Award titles.
How the Books were Chosen
A committee of literacy practitioners and public librarians from across the province reviewed numerous titles before making the final selection. The books on the official selection list are Canadian, published within the last five years, and will appeal to a wide range of interests. The selected titles include fiction, biography, history, travel writing, and are appropriate for adults at a range of reading levels.
GOLDEN OAK™ AWARD: Additional Information
S&B Books Ltd. is the official wholesaler for the Forest of Reading® and all of its seven programs. The company's ongoing support and dedication to the Forest® programs allows the OLA to continue to offer such a service to our members. Please consider S&B Books when purchasing titles for the reading program.
Note: Readers who are blind or visually impaired will be able to access a selection of the nominated books in alternate format at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Library. Contact CNIB Library Reader Services at: 1-800-268-8818 for more information.
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