My kindergarten teacher at Lakeridge Elementary, Miss Young, introduced me to “Ramona the Pest” by Beverly Cleary. Sitting in that classroom, captivated by the adventures on Klickitat Street, I discovered a love for reading that would shape my entire life.
Through Ramona, I realized there was a universe beyond my own experiences, filled with characters who were both different from and similar to me. This awakening marked the beginning of a journey that would lead me to a lifelong passion for books and a career in independent bookselling. Access to books, I learned, holds the power to transform lives, offering endless possibilities and hope.
I know firsthand how a single book, the right book, changed my trajectory, how reading influenced my life profoundly and why ensuring access to books for everyone is a cause worth fighting for.
When Miss Young began reading “Ramona the Pest” aloud, I was transported to a world that felt familiar and entirely new. Growing up below the poverty level in Utah, books were a rarity in our home. Yet, through Ramona’s mischievous adventures and everyday struggles, I found a character who resonated with me — a spirited child navigating their own small world with curiosity and a touch of rebellion. The more I listened, the more I saw myself in Ramona and, for the first time, I understood that books could be more than just words on a page; they could be mirrors and windows into lives both like and unlike my own.
This realization sparked a passion for reading that would become a cornerstone of my identity. In a home where opportunities felt limited, books opened doors to possibilities I hadn’t known existed, allowing me to dream beyond the confines of my circumstances.
As I delved deeper into the world of books, I noticed significant changes in my life. Reading became more than just a hobby; it was a gateway to personal and academic growth. My test scores began to improve as I developed better comprehension skills and my ability to understand complex ideas expanded. Beyond academics, reading nurtured a sense of empathy within me. Through stories, I encountered lives and perspectives far removed from my own, which taught me to approach the world with greater compassion and understanding. This newfound passion for reading transformed me from a child with limited prospects into someone who believed in a future filled with possibilities. My love for books eventually led me to a vibrant and fulfilling career in independent bookselling. Here, I could channel my passion into helping others discover the joy of reading, just as Miss Young had once guided me. The books that filled my life with wonder and possibility became tools I could use to impact others, fostering a love for reading in those who might not have regular access to books.
[Was there a book you read as a child that challenged your beliefs or changed your perspective? Tell us about it.]
As a bookseller, I’ve come to see my role as more than just someone who sells books — it’s about being a literary matchmaker, guiding readers toward the stories that can transform their lives. I understand firsthand how a single book can leave an indelible mark, shaping a person’s thoughts, emotions and even their future.
This is why I take the responsibility of recommending books so seriously.
Every reader is unique, and personalized recommendations can lead them to hidden gems they might never have discovered on their own. However, the joy of reading should not be a privilege reserved for those with means. Access to books must be universal, regardless of socioeconomic status. Initiatives like community libraries, book drives and free access to books in schools and the surrounding community are crucial in bridging this gap, ensuring that everyone can explore the joys of reading.
Moreover, when book bans threaten access to diverse ideas and stories, it’s more important than ever to stand against censorship and advocate for the freedom to read and the empowerment of personal selection.
At Brain Food Books, our mission is to put books into the hands of those who need them most because the right book can change a life — and sometimes, even the world.
The journey that began with “Ramona the Pest” profoundly changed the course of my life, revealing the transformative power of reading. Growing up with limited resources and then discovering books opened doors to new possibilities, fostering my academic success and personal growth. This passion led me to a career in bookselling, where I now help others find the stories that can shape their lives.
Access to books should not be a privilege, but a right — one that we must protect and promote through community efforts and by resisting the efforts of a few to reduce access, hinder choice and sabotage reading for pleasure. My lifelong commitment is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of reading, just as I did.
Cal Crosby is the co-owner of The King's English Bookshop and the executive director of Brain Food Books.
Cal Crosby is the co-owner of The King’s English Bookshop and the executive director of Brain Food Books.
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