Virginia, Author

Virginia Loewen is in my bible study, Women of Faith, Hope and Love. Last month she came to me saying she wanted to contribute several copies of 2 books she had written. This is why...

"As a child, I loved books from the time I learned to read. The school I attended in rural southeastern Pennsylvania had a small library, but there was no community library, and my family owned only a few books. When school was closed during the summer, I remember saying to my parents, "There's nothing to do! I wish I had something to read."

My love of books and reading continued as I attended college and earned certification as an elementary school teacher, librarian and reading specialist. With a break of thirteen years for bringing up three children of my own, I taught for twenty-five years.

One of my favorite days at school was RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Day. On that day children came into my classroom to find tables covered with all kinds of fiction and nonfiction books. From that assortment each child could choose one book to keep as his/her own. For some this was a difficult decision since there were so many good books.

From RIF Days came my inspiration to write a rhyming poem called "I Love Books." I wondered, if I created a character with a problem, could my poem become a Big Book?

Eventually this dream came to fruition, and I've had lots if fun sharing my Big Book, "The Best Book for Terry Lee", in many classrooms throughout Pennsylvania. Although "The Best Book" ....and my second book, "Special Things", take place in a different culture, I believe that the children of Rwanda will also enjoy reading or hearing them read.

My hope is that Terry Lee's search for the best book for him will encourage them to read many kinds of books, thus gaining confidence in their own reading ability. Both.."Terry Lee" and "Special Things" lend motivation for writing or illustrating their own books as well. And when their world is harsh and painful, may reading and writing help to transport them mentally to a happy, peaceful place.

It is my privilege to donate to the children of Rwanda these books I've written. It is a way to celebrate the gifts I've been given, in the name of Jesus Christ, who loved to give." ~~Virginia Loewen.

*Virginia, new author
*Virginia now
*Her books
*Virginia with her Special Things, owls