Back-to-school season is here! We chatted with a local educator on all things books, including tips and tricks to help get kiddos at home excited about reading. Please welcome Natalie Fortunato to the Cobblestone Creative blog!

Name:

Natalie Fortunato

Old Town, Alexandria Affiliation (Resident, business owner, etc.):

Mount Vernon resident; OTB Shopper & Fangirl

Occupation:

Middle School English and Reading teacher; General all around self professed book nerd

What sort of reader are you? What are your favorite genres, ideal reading location, etc.?

I'm a mood reader, for sure. I used to read primarily literary fiction, but when the BRBC was born I started reading romance. Throughout the pandemic, I've preferred romance and thrillers to my usual literary fiction because I just needed to escape reality. I love YA and middle grade reads. My students are always telling me something I MUST read now, so I love trying to keep up with them.

I go through stretches where I consume books one after the other, and then have a cooling off period for a couple weeks. What and how much I am reading depends a great deal on where I am in the school year as well.

Favorite reading location? ANYWHERE!

What's one book you think that every person should read and why?

This could be construed as a cop out, but I don’t believe in the one book fits all narrative. Reading is such an intimate act-we read through our own lens and background, so what resonates personally is vastly different for all of us. I think the best book is whatever we need to read most in that moment.

What's the best book you've read in the past year? What sort of impact did it have on you as a reader?

There have been a handful, but The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue really took me by surprise. My book friends raved about it, but I was still taken by surprise. I loved the whole experience of the novel. I have really missed traveling, so experiencing all the places in time Addie visited was so fulfilling. Plus, it was a wonderful twist on the traditional Faustian experience.

Where's your favorite spot to read in Old Town?

Anywhere! I come to Old Town every Saturday morning to teach yoga at Radiance. Most Saturdays I walk down to OTB after class to pick up a book or 6. I love chatting with my students about what everyone is reading, and then doing the same at the bookstore!

Why do you love indie bookstores?

Until OTB was born, I didn’t have a local indie to call my bookish home. It has had a tremendous impact on my life. I’ve met so many incredible people because of our shared love of OTB and all things reading. I truly had no idea what a quaint indie shop could do for my reading life. Now I can’t even remember what life was like before OTB.

What's your favorite Old Town Books book club?

I've participated in a few, but BRBC is my favorite. I love to see what each club is reading monthly, however. My reading list is easily influenced by the shop's picks.

What sort of programming would you love to see from Old Town Books in the future?

I'd love to see continued partnerships with young readers and local school systems. Perhaps a holiday book drive for young readers?

What's the best children's or middle grade book you've read in the last year?

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. I gravitate to it when pulling excerpts for close reading or to model writing. Many of my students/reluctant readers have picked it up as well. Books written in verse can be great for reluctant readers.

Any advice for parents who want to encourage reading for fun during the school year?

Read with your child! You don't have to read the same book, but modeling reading for enjoyment is so important for fostering a love of reading. Set aside a reading time for the whole family. I have always loved reading, but I grew up with lots of books in my home, and parents who loved reading. You can't expect your kids to read for fun if you're not reading for fun yourself.

We’re grateful to Natalie for her insight and advice! Be sure to drop by South Royal Street to pick up your back-to-school reading picks.

Photos and blog contribution by Natalie Fortunato.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy and Angie Sanchez.