Willimantic, Conn. – Esme Raji Codell, a children’s literature specialist and elementary school teacher from Chicago, will be visiting Eastern Connecticut State University on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The event takes place at 1 p.m. in the Betty R. Tipton Room, which is located in the Student Center. The event is free and is sponsored by the ECSU Foundation.
Codell is best known for her book, “Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year.” The book deals with how children and teachers dealt with racism and economic difficulties and problems with funding in inner-city schools. It documents her attempts as a young, white female teacher trying to bring about changes despite the obstacles in the system. While writing the book, Codell drew from experiences that took place during her first year as an elementary school teacher.
Some of her other books include “How to Get Your Child to Love Reading” and “Fairly Fairy Tales.” For more information about Codell and her books, visit www.planetesme.com.