We celebrate World Book Day on April 23. The earliest books known so far were written in the Mesopotamian and Indian societies. Ancient Indian societies wrote their epics and stories on rocks, cave walls, and bark, and then began to use leaves as manuscripts. The earliest literature from Mesopotamia is found on clay tablets in cuneiform script, and a well-known example is the Epic of Gilgamesh, the first known work of fictional literature, which inspired many later books.
This World Book Day, SARA BUBBER brings you an original short story written about a girl named Sasha and her love for books. The art of reading helped Sasha succeed against all odds in life.
Once upon a time there lived a girl named Sasha who loved to read. Her parents couldn’t afford many books, so she read her textbooks over and over again. She enjoyed all her classes and the teachers were happy with her.
There was only one thing missing; Sasha had no friends. Everyone made fun of her and called her a bookworm. They knew she couldn’t afford books, that she borrowed many from the school library, and they called her the “lowly librarian.” They knew she wore dresses that the teachers’ children had outgrown and called her the “secretary of the second-hand world.” They also knew that she brought very simple food to school and teased her as the “raging restaurateur.”
The Principal of the school saw Sasha being teased and becoming sad. She called her to her cabin very sternly. Everyone thought she was going to be scolded for spending too much time in the library. Sasha went into her cabin slowly and meekly. “You called me ma’am?” The Principal said, “Ah, Sasha. Come on in. Sit.” Sasha was surprised at the kind tone of the Principal. “What is the matter dear? Are you not comfortable?” Sasha answered, “I love school, I love to learn, but the girls make fun of me. My family cannot afford to be like them. We don’t have as many resources. I wish I had some friends.” The Principal looked at Sasha and continued, “My dear, you do have friends.”
Sasha asked, “I do? Where?” The Principal said, “The books that you read. The characters play in your mind, they paint an imagination the way no one else can. They keep you company when you are alone. They uplift your mood. That is what friends do.” Sasha’s face lit up, “Oh.” A smile came to the Principal’s face as Sasha realized books were her friends. “Listen dear, never give up on the books, and they will not give up on you. Let those who make fun, make fun. You have your friends.”
Sasha continued in school. She ignored those who made fun of her and stood strong in her work. Sasha went through school and university and began to work. One day she got an invitation to a school reunion. She wished to meet her teachers and, more importantly, her Principal who gave her wings to fly.
When she reached her school, she walked through the corridors and went straight to the library. She noticed how it had changed. New books, digital additions, and the new issuing systems caught her eye. That is when she heard, “Look, look it is the lowly librarian.” Her classmates had found her. The continued making fun of her, “Oh she must be a librarian in a public library. Even this library is too swanky for her.” The Principal walked in and said, “Oh, have you girls met each other? This is Sasha, the youngest director of the Department of Education at Standorf, a university known for its excellence. Sasha here, has a doctorate in education and works on anti-bullying policies at her campus. She has even created applications for reporting bullies and support for the victims. She is an absolute genius and is loved by all her students.” Sasha’s classmates looked quite sheepish and quickly apologized to her for their rude and presumptuous behaviour. Sasha had always had the company of her books and had made like-minded friends over the years who encouraged her to grow and reach high altitudes of success.
Activities
Which book have you read recently? What did you like the most? What message did the book give you that has touched you?
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Have you found some new words in the books you have read recently that you would like to explore with the dictionary?
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Illustrations by LAKSHMI GADDAM
Sara Bubber
Sara is a storyteller, Montessori consultant, and a children’s book author. She is also a naturalist, doing her doctoral work in eco-consciousness in childhood. She has been practicing Heartfulness for eight y... Read More
