Ever since I was a child I remember reading books with my family. There are fond and vivid memories of sitting on my parents’ and grandparents’ lap reading children's books. As I grew older the books got longer, more complex, and I was left alone to navigate them. It was not until I was a young adult that I discovered the importance of a strong reading foundation. All of that reading time together as a child not only gave me unforgettable memories, but the confidence, ability, and knowledge to be a strong reader. I had another revelation when I became a father in 2016. From the time my twin sons came home from the hospital, my wife and I would make it a priority to read books to them. Today at almost 5 years of age, it is something they look forward to with us and their grandparents. It is remarkable to see a child discover, act out, or even recite from memory books they love. As a parent, it gives you joy that is indescribable.
In 2020 with so much going on in our world, we want to be a sparkle of hope. With many school children stuck at home, in front of screens for distance learning, this is arguably one of the most important times in their lives. The long term social, psychological, emotional, and educational impacts being away from school will not be fully realized for decades to come. However, we do know how beneficial reading, and being read to, can be.
Here at DFJ, as we begin a new chapter in our story, we would like to introduce our first design for greater purpose. Crafted in solid 14 karat white, yellow, or rose gold as well as sterling silver, our Book for a Book necklace has arrived. Adorned around the neck, near the heart, with a classic cable chain, the necklace can be the start of your story. This is the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life that were instrumental in your education. They can also be given as gifts to teachers, administrators, tutors and more.
To make this truly a gift of impact, we have partnered with Books Between Kids. For each book necklace purchased, we will donate a book to this incredible charity helping to build home libraries for underprivileged children. A 2006 study* showed that while in middle income neighborhoods the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, but in low income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children. This Houston based organization, collects new and like-new books year round for kids aged Pre-K through 5th grade.
Our Book for a Book necklaces are perfect as they are, but we encourage you to customize them to "write" your own story. Design them with fancy engravings, initials, gemstones, and symbols to name a few. The options are endless. Be sure to contact us to customize your own book beyond the customizations available online.
We hope you enjoyed reading our story behind the book. We are very excited to share our love of books, reading, and of course jewelry!
*Neuman, Susan B. and David K. Dickinson, ed. Handbook of Early Literacy Research, Volume 2. New York, NY: 2006, p. 31.