I was nine years old when I first learned my mother had breast cancer. Suddenly my childhood wasn't filled with sunshine.  I worried who would take care of me.  I loved my mother very much and I didn't like seeing her suffer.  She was ill for fourteen years, most of my childhood years.

I escaped into the world of books.  I read every Nancy Drew mystery around.  I read Charlotte's Web, Treasure Island, Black Beauty, and eventually Ayn Rand's Fountainhead  and more....   For me, reading a book was like having a good friend.  It helped me get through this very difficult period in my life.  I became so involved in the book I was reading that I was able to escape the world around me.

On September 16, 2011 .....my mother would have been 100 years old.  I could think of 100 ways to honor her but BookEnds takes on a special meaning to me.  It touches my heart and makes me smile. BookEnds creates a magical way of getting books to children...and brings a little sunshine into their lives. (just as it did with me).

Therefore, in honor of my mother, I wanted to give to BookEnds.  My mother died at age 58.  However, if she were alive today, I just know she'd be a huge supporter of BookEnds, too.

Carol Zaslow
BookEnds Board Member