Her love of reading recently carried a fifth grader at Good Shepherd Episcopal School to the stage of one of the nation’s most prestigious student literary events.
Cora Elizondo represented her school this spring at the Texas Bluebonnet Award ceremony, where she presented author Minda Dentler with the award. Dentler is a polio survivor and the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship.
Third through sixth graders from around the state had voted Dentler’s book, The Girl Who Figured It Out, their favorite from a list of 20 finalists.
Elizondo said she was thrilled to be selected to represent her school and excited to join other avid readers at the annual conference of the Texas Library Association in Houston.
“It was meaningful because my librarian, Mrs. (Lauren) Younger, thought that I was the best choice to represent Good Shepherd at the Bluebonnet Award ceremony,” she said. “It was nice, that out of all the kids submitted, I got chosen.”
Elizondo’s own love of reading began in the back seat of her parents’ car, where she would read aloud road signs and billboards while driving past them.
At a young age, she developed a passion for books after checking out a variety from the Dallas Public Library. Elizondo said her parents also helped spark her interest in literature by reading aloud to her.
Today, she reads all categories of books, but especially enjoys fantasy novels.
“My favorite genre is fantasy because anything can happen,” Elizondo explained. “My favorite authors are Erin Hunter and Suzanne Collins. Erin Hunter wrote my favorite book series, Warriors, and Suzanne Collins wrote my second favorite series, The Hunger Games.”
When Good Shepherd Episcopal School was selected to participate in the Texas Library Association conference, librarian Younger said she knew exactly who should represent the school.
“Cora has loved reading from an early age and devours chapter books,” Younger said. “For many years, when I review which students have checked out the most books from our library, she consistently tops the list.”
Before the award ceremony, Elizondo had an opportunity to learn more about Dentler. The fifth grader was one of a small group of students who were selected to interview the winning author and discuss the inspiration behind her writing.
“Perseverance doesn’t start at the finish line,” Dentler told them. “It starts the moment someone decides to try.”
Elizondo said Dentler’s message has stayed with her.
“Minda Dentler is an inspiration to young people because the main lesson of her book is never give up,” she said. “Another inspirational message in her book is to chase your dreams.”
Elizondo remarked that while Dentler’s books and messaging are an inspiration to her, she does not plan to author a book herself.
“I enjoy reading more than writing,” she said.
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