#KidsNeedMentors is a program with the goal of enriching young lives through the power and love of reading and books. It’s a program that matches authors with educators in a literary partnership that lasts throughout the school year. When Beech Tree Elementary second grade teacher Nadya Abu-Rish got wind of this program through Twitter, she knew she had to sign up her class.

In August 2019, Abu-Rish received the long-awaited email with a match for her class, that would be mentored by award-winning author and illustrator Angela Dominguez. Dominguez has written several children’s books including Stella Diaz Has Something to Say, Let’s Go Hugo, and How are you?/Como estas? and has illustrated the Lola Levine series, Marta Big and Small, and Kaia and the Bee. Since their partnership started in August, Dominguez and the second graders have communicated through letters, videos, and Google hangout. In the fall, the author visited their classroom, reading to the class and modeling how to draw one of her favorite book characters. She has offered advice and guidance on the writing process and has made each and every child feel special. Contact Nadya Abu-Rish at @email.