“Congratulations on such an important title.”
--- Satia Marshall Orange, Director Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
American Library Association

“For years, through his work as Executive Director of Say It Loud, Patrick Oliver has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to our children. With Turn the Page, a powerful collection of testimonials concerning the power of the written word, he again demonstrates that he is a visionary with a passion for children first.”
--- Bakari Kitwana, author Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop Generation

“It is a given that books can entice a reader into reading if the subject and title are interesting enough. The title, Turn the Page and You Don’t Stop, could be very alluring, but this book continues inside with a compilation of writings by authors who tell how reading transformed their lives. Whether a child, teenager, or adult, you become excited about reading once you “hear” the authors’ feelings and ideas. Right from the beginning, you can’t wait to “turn the page” and embark on a stimulating journey of why reading matters in real life.”
--- Lonnie R. Williams, Ed.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Arkansas State University

“In this volume, African Americans of unbelievable achievement share the secret of their sometimes incredible success in the face of the most daunting obstacles. Their secret? Their love of books. They have read, they tell us, from their earliest childhood. As a group, they attribute their extraordinary achievement to their early fascination with learning from the books they explored and cherished. Libraries are free. This fine collection urges us to use them.”
--- Mari Evans, award-winning poet, playwright and author of Clarity as Concept

“This book not only evinces Patrick Oliver’s passion for literacy for young people, but it also elucidates, at its heart, how powerful the word is.”
--- Candice Jackson, Chair of English Department and Director, Tougaloo College Honors Program

“My mother made me see books as a privilege to be able to look at the words on a page and have them play out in my imagination. Turn the Page lets us peek into the fundamental act that reading provides - joy and power in the truest sense of Nommo - the procreative power of the word. Per the concept of Nommo the word has the ability to create, illuminate and expand the mind, body and soul.”
--- Dr. Doreen Loury, Assistant Professor Sociology/Anthropology/African American Studies Arcadia University and Director of Gateway/ACT 101 Program

“Patrick Oliver is on-target with his passion for our children and literacy. The stories he has assembled will inspire and motivate young people across the nation to read and achieve at the highest level.”
- Salome Thomas-EL. Educator and author of I Choose to Stay

“Youth Advocate Resource Network, Inc. presented a copy of Turn the Page to each of the youth participants in this year's conference. The book is easy reading. It introduces children to authors and stimulates an interest in reading for the non-reader.”
Berthenia Gill, Founder, Youth Advocate Resource Network, Inc.

“I am overwhelmed by the insight offered by these amazing writers. I know it sounds cliche'ish, but there is truly "something for everyone" in the book Turn the Page. “
Tonya Sproles, educator and founder Quarterly Exchange

ABOUT THE EDITOR
Patrick M. Oliver, founder of the Say It Loud! Readers and Writers Series a literary arts program for youth and adults based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is currently program director for the Open Book Program, a city-wide reading program for children and youth in Chicago, IL. He is also co-founder of the Black Male Development Symposium. Mr. Oliver was Director of Sales and Marketing where he organized and promoted literary events throughout the country.

TURN THE PAGE AND YOU DON’T STOP
Sharing Successful Chapters In Our Lives with Youth
Publication Date: May 2006
Published by Say It Loud! Readers and Writers Series
African American Literature/Cultural Studies/Self-Help
Paperback//$12/ISBN 0-9779499-0-7