Sharon Flake is our Children's Literacy Spokesperson
Reading Is FUNdamental (RIF) Pittsburgh is thrilled to announce renowned author Sharon G. Flake as its spokesperson for children’s literacy. Ms. Flake, whose home is right here in Pittsburgh, is a nationally recognized author of children’s and young adult books. Her award-winning books, Money Hungry, The Skin I’m In, and The Broke Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street are enjoyed by young people around the world. “We are so proud to have such a respected author help to advance our mission of providing children with the resources, motivation and opportunities to develop a life-long love of reading,” said RIF Pittsburgh Executive Director, Florri Ladov. “Through her partnership with RIF Pittsburgh, Ms. Flake will help to promote children’s literacy in the Pittsburgh community. Some of the new activities will include book clubs for children, special book reading events, as well as a new summer literacy program targeting 6th graders in the Hill District.”
“I am honored to serve in this role. My life-long passion has been to encourage young people to become readers, to see themselves in my books, and to continue to read and love books throughout their lives. Partnering with RIF Pittsburgh is the perfect complement to my own life’s mission,” said Ms. Flake.
Born in Philadelphia, Sharon G. Flake has been a Pittsburgh resident for more than 30 years. She is the author of seven books for children and young adults, and the winner of dozens of recognitions, including the Coretta Scott King Award, the YWCA Racial Justice Award, and the Detroit Public Library Author of the Year.
RIF Pittsburgh addresses critical literacy needs in our community by providing children with access to self-selected books, creating positive environments that motivate children to develop a life-long love of reading, and engaging families in literacy practices in the home. Last year, RIF Pittsburgh provided over 64,000 books and motivational reading activities to more than 20,000 economically disadvantaged children in the Pittsburgh community. Through its programs, RIF Pittsburgh is working to increase the reading opportunities available to underserved children and families, in an effort to reduce the literacy gap in our community.
To learn more about Sharon Flake, visit her website.