In the vibrant city of Jacksonville, Florida, a passionate group of individuals has come together to revolutionize the way literature is accessed and cherished. Say hello to RebelReaders.org, a non-profit organization driven by the unwavering belief that access to literature is a fundamental right. Founded by Kati Johnston, Casey Raasio, and Kalee Weiland, Rebel Readers is on a mission to provide free access to literature for students in grades K-12 and their parents. Through their ingenious approach of contributing multicultural and historically challenged literature to Free Little Libraries throughout NE Florida and beyond, they are nurturing a love for reading, empowering communities, and fostering literacy.
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At the heart of RebelReaders.org lies a profound conviction that literature can change lives. Their dedication to providing free access to literature stems from the understanding that reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and personal growth. By placing diverse books within the reach of young minds, Rebel Readers is igniting a passion for reading that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a thought-provoking tale or a heartwarming story, these books hold the power to inspire, educate, and encourage readers to explore the world around them.
“I am a former educator with experience in sales, logistics, marketing, operations, and copywriting, and earned my BBA with a concentration in Economics from Georgia Gwinnett College. I love spending time outside, and my husband and I are on a permanent quest to find the best cup of coffee in town. Perusing books stores and thrift shops are some of my favorite pastimes, along with reading. My love of books began in childhood when I discovered Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novels and the Harry Potter series. However, it was reading non-fiction texts in my Social Inequality course in college which refined my ability to review topics through an intersectional lens to understand how issues are connected which fundamentally helped shape my way of thinking. Reading is important to me because it has been the constant in helping me learn and grow in all stages of my life, and I hope to share my passion with others through Rebel Readers.”
Casey Raasio
One unique aspect of RebelReaders.org‘s work is their dedication to challenged and banned books. By highlighting these literary gems, they encourage the community to get curious, seek information independently, and form their own opinions. These books spark conversations, challenge traditional viewpoints, and broaden horizons. Rebel Readers understands the importance of questioning norms, embracing curiosity, and championing intellectual freedom through literature.
RebelReaders.org‘s founders bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for reading and literacy. Kati Johnston, Casey Raasio, and Kalee Weiland, collectively, have backgrounds as students, educators, advocates, caregivers, and professionals in business. This diverse expertise allows them to understand the multifaceted aspects of literacy and design initiatives that cater to the needs of the community. Their combined knowledge and unwavering dedication to literacy make RebelReaders.org a formidable force in their mission.
“Education is the only thing people can’t take from you,” is what I would always tell my students. Reading is fundamental in learning and in independence. For me, my enthusiasm for reading began in high school when I found books that I could really connect to such as, The Perks of being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky. From there, my love of books and learning grew beyond the depths of fiction, and into learning about the world around me through every lens possible. Now, as an adult, I find reading a place of solace and comfort; but it’s also a place of understanding and empowerment, and we all deserve to feel safe, understood and empowered.”
Kati Johnston
“I’m passionate about making spaces where everyone has the ability to be heard. I believe that education and accessibility is key to making that happen. I fell in love with reading while in middle school, as I got lost in the beautiful pages of words that allowed me to escape. As a Northeast Georgia native, I love spending time with my family going to community events. My family loves to listen to live music, find good food, and our daughter takes us on nature walks whenever possible. With a degree in accounting and a background in business operations, I’m excited to help Rebel Readers grow and make a difference in our communities.”
Kalee Weiland – Rebel Readers Georgia
RebelReaders.org is a shining beacon in the Jacksonville community, spreading the joy of reading and making literature accessible to all. Through their efforts to provide free access to literature, contribute multicultural and historically challenged books, and encourage curiosity through banned books, they are transforming lives one page at a time. With Kati Johnston, Casey Raasio, and Kalee Weiland leading the charge, RebelReaders.org continues to champion the right to explore the pages, foster literacy, and create a world where diverse literature thrives. Join them on this exciting journey and unlock the transformative power of literature in your own life.
In The News:
“We want (students) to have a passion for reading, but they should have access,” Johnson said. “And parents individually in their homes should have the right to choose what books are welcome. So if we provide them, they can decide whether or not they want to pick them up. And that’s their choice.”
Raasio says the goal of Rebel Readers is to make books accessible to everyone and to encourage the joy of reading.
Action News Jax Reporter, Jimmy Marlow V spoke with the co-founders, and Katlin Johnston told him that when they are looking at the list of banned books there were a lot of books that are just about historical figures, she continued:
“That’s history that can’t be changed, things that actually happened. A lot of them are people of color, so those communities they don’t feel represented.”
Co-Founder Casey Raasio added:
“A lot of times we’ll look at the demographics in that area and think about what types of titles they may need to see.”
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Keywords: Rebel Readers, diversity, literacy, little free libraries, challenged books, banned books, multicultural literature, education, community impact, inclusivity, reading enthusiasm, book removal, diverse literature
#RebelReaders , #diversity , #literacy , #littlefreelibraries , #challengedbooks , #bannedbooks, #multiculturalliterature , #education , #communityimpact , #inclusivity , #readingenthusiasm , #book removal , #diverseliterature
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