It was like the Super Bowl of Harry Potter. That’s the only way I can describe LeakyCon, where witches, wizards and muggles recently celebrated all things Potter – and RIF was honored to join the festivities.

Believe it or not, Harry Potter burst on the scene 15 years ago. But the books continue to open the door to reading for folks young and old. And many of them stopped by the RIF booth last week to share their stories.

We were there talking about our new Book People Unite campaign and signing up Book People. Our favorite response was the young man, dressed in his proper wizarding robe, who came back to the booth every day to watch the TV spot, saying he wasn’t sure he’d ever get tired of it.

The Harry Potter books and fans represent so much of what our Book People Unite movement is about—inspiring imagination, helping overcome obstacles, and instilling a love of reading. A big “thank you” to the LeakyCon organizers who allowed RIF to share this mission!

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, let us know why! Also, visit RIF’s flickr page to view this year’s LeakyCon magic!

But as each day passed, her attitude changed. She started seeing differences between herself and her classmates and she didn’t like what she saw.

Each day, she asked the same heartbreaking questions. “Mommy, why isn’t my skin as light as Maria’s skin?” “Why is Amber’s hair long and straight and my hair is short and curly?”

She looked at her own collection of dolls – many complexions but not the deep brown that resembled her own. To London, her dolls and classmates were “pretty.” But she was not.

London’s mother continually reminded her that everyone is different and beautiful in his or her own way.  Despite these words of encouragement, she was not sure London truly believed this.

As a trainer for RIF’s Literacy Services department, I know how books can help parents tackle difficult topics. Whether it’s bullying, the passing of a loved one, or self-image – books can communicate the words our hearts can’t express. And for parents who are saying the words but not seeing them sink in, books can work wonders.

For London and her mom, one book came to mind — Natasha Tarpley’s, “I Love My Hair!”  The story of a little girl who does not feel like her hair is beautiful because of the texture, color, and especially the process of combing it, was something I knew London could see herself in.

In the end, the character comes to understand her own beauty. I hoped London would too.

London and her mom read that book again and again.

By the end of the school year, London was ready for Kindergarten. She could write her name. She knew the pledge of allegiance. But most importantly, she’d discovered love and acceptance of herself and others.

When we finally had a chance to read the book together, I asked for one reason why she loved it so much.  She responded: it’s the beads.