About the “Coota Literacy Enrichment Pilot Program” The purpose of the “Coota Literacy Pilot Enrichment Program” is to fuel an interest in reading and to spark critical thinking on the importance of sensitive and appropriate communications instead of using racial or ethnic slurs, increase interest in literacy, add value to literacy and bridge the gaps of literacy, that occur with disadvantaged youth in grades as low as grade three. There has been an identified depreciation for literacy in this grade. The project’s focus areas are to establish and reinforce the value of literacy as a tool for becoming a better person, becoming more competitive for future educational opportunities, i.e. jobs, careers, community development with focus on middle schools and after school programs. The “Coota Literacy Pilot Enrichment Program’s” goal is to develop a local literacy enrichment strategy that can be replicated after evaluations using educators and future educators as well as youth in the development of a program that bridges literacy gaps using our curriculum and our core book to begin.

“In a finding according to the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) and its training for professionals, the middle school years are viewed as “turning points” in the development of children as they become adolescents and then adults.” While keeping that finding in mind and through focused, but limited research we have found that our readers in most cases are excited about the core book and relate to the themes throughout this book, “Coota and the Magic Quilt.” The book discusses triumph over adversities, love, unity, death, life and what it means to be free. There are many youth in the lesser grade level who quickly emulate the styles of older youth as well as the images seen on television in terms of dress and the remembering rap, able to recite verbatim while developing their own Spoken Word. Yet, reading appreciation remains a challenge. The literacy enrichment pilot curriculum program encourages innovative applications for creation to include the use of phonics, skits based on sections of the core book, critical thinking and understanding in order to generate positive outcomes in academic performance and more participation by the students in reading of other books on a regular basis. Within the strata for the steering of cultural awareness through literacy, there is an opening of the thought process, an awareness of significance and creating a sense of the importance of diversity through exploring history and contemporary African American culture values in education. Ask About becoming a team member of the “Coota Literacy Pilot Program.”

“Coota and the Magic Quilt,” is a powerful self-published book that generates critical thinking due to the themes that are written throughout the book. It is a book that addresses many of today’s topics for our youth. The book has been receiving a lot of favorable comments from its readers that include educators, parents and youth. The book challenges youth to some critical thinking and to learn the importance of communicating without using racial slurs, ethnic slurs and not to call each other dog, build their vocabulary and learn about our history. It is a book with positive and revealing thoughts about triumphs over adversity. Coota has thoughts of becoming a rap star that are changed when his mother takes him south to spend time with his grandmother, Miss Mattie, a retired school teacher who does not own a television, won’t call him by his nickname “Coota” and insists that he read. It is the first book in the trilogy, “The Coota Experiences.” It engages the reader as “Coota “ meets a new friend at the library, Cheryl, a sightless young girl, but one who can “see” the importance of history, respect and how to communicate in a dignified manner. “Coota and the Magic Quilt” comes with a Teacher’s Guide specially written by Dianne Christine Yarborough that is separately priced and can be used to teach not just youth, but adults as well.

“What some people are saying about Coota and the Magic Quilt,”

“This captivating story will engage readers in the power of history through the wisdom of our elders and the hope of our youth who search for truth, justice and freedom.”

Janine and Tom Fondon, Founders, UnityFirst.com

“Quilted within the story of Coota a legacy of survival and hope-we find the inspiration to continue to dream. Mr. Fennell weaves stories from the heart that teach us of our present mandate-Each one, teach one.”

Diane Christian Yarborough, Teacher/Writer, Sabis International Charter School Springfield, MA.

“Haywood Fennell, Sr. has single handedly written the exceptional children’s novel, “Coota and the Magic Quilt” that not only tells the story, but delivers a practical and realistic standard that young readers can relate to.” Loren E. Roberts, M.S., Illustrator, President, HALO Associates

“Coota is an incredibly creative book for young people and old alike that incorporates the history of the past, the issues facing young people today and faith and hope for the future.” Nancy Routh, City Year, Boston

Gina Beavers, artist/illustrator lives in Springfield, MA did the illustrations. They are bright in color and to help the readers visualize as they read the book. A team led by Loren Earl Roberts, M.S, edited the book. As the book is read, the reader will come upon a rhyme, called “Woman With a Gun,” that is written to encourage our young readers who love to rhyme to use our history as source material for their rhymes.