Lead to Read KC organizes author visits to partner schools

Martha Conradt • Feb. 7, 2019

Lead to Read KC is pleased to be partnering with local children’s therapist and author Vladimir Sainte to share his new book Just Like a Hero with our partner schools. This initiative is made possible with support from Reading Mentor Jacob Schwartz and a generous donation from emfluence Digital Marketing and its employees.

And, thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor, each of the 1,100 students Lead to Read KC serves received a copy of Just Like a Hero. Also, each of the teachers in the 52 classrooms we serve received a copy of Just Like a Hero, along with tips from the author on sharing it with students.

“I am honored to be part of Lead to Read KC’s initiative and hope to be a reminder to kids to see themselves as heroes. Reading feeds imagination, creating a voyage of discovery on every page,” said Vladimir Sainte, L.C.S.W.

As you’ll see from these photos from author visits to two of Lead to Read KC’s partner schools — Crossroads Academy Central Street and M.L. King Elementary — the initiative is a big hit with students and Reading Mentors alike!

Author Vladimir Sainte and second grade teacher Nancy Ramirez, along with students at M.L. King Elementary. Check out the superhero capes! 
Vladimir Sainte and Lead to Read KC Site Coordinator Becky Conaghan take a look at the superhero writing projects created by students at M.L. King Elementary.
Author Vladimir Sainte shares Just Like a Hero with students and Lead to Read KC Reading Mentors at M.L. King Elementary. The book teaches personal values, challenges negative thoughts, and provides activities to promote self-esteem and coping skills.
Author Vladimir Sainte shares Just Like a Hero with students, teachers and Reading Mentors at Crossroads Academy Central Street.

Author Vladimir Sainte demonstrates a stress management technique to students, teachers and Reading Mentors at Crossroads Academy Central Street.
Partnering to help students manage their emotional health: Karis Parker, Assistant Principal – Crossroads Academy Central Street; Laura LaCroix, Principal – Crossroads Academy Central Street; Jacob Schwartz, Lead to Read KC Reading Mentor; Vladimir Sainte, Author; Clara Sainte, Lead to Read KC Reading Mentor; and Pauly Hart, Lead to Read KC Executive Director.