Consuming a wide range of literature leads to wider general knowledge across topics like history, science, art, and culture. Regular reading builds a rich tapestry of understanding about the world.
Founded in 1964, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation promotes diversity in children’s literature through the Ezra Jack Keats Award, which has honored emerging writers and illustrators since 1986.
The Foundation also supports fellowships and scholarships in art, music, and children’s literature.
Brandon Capitulo, an 11th grade student at John Dewey High School, received Special Recognition at the High School level in the ‘Thought Provoking Story’ category for his story that he wrote and illustrated, titled ‘Small World’.
“At the very start once I signed up for the competition I didn’t have any motivation,” said Brandon Capitulo. However, that motivation grew as he continued to work on it.
Once he began, he didn’t really enjoy it, but overtime he started to get comfortable and enjoyed the process. “Over time I gradually got more comfortable making the pages, so yes, I did enjoy it,” Brandon stated.
Capitulo takes the stage to accept the award in the ‘Thought Provoking Story’ category.
Capitulo, his English teacher Ms. Lane, and Ms. Rosalia attended the 40th Annual Awards Ceremony in the Dweck Auditorium of the Central Library of Brooklyn Public Library at 10 Grand Army Plaza.
Rosalia explained that the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation gives students opportunities to develop their creativity and writing skills.
“This is a very worthwhile foundation. They support the arts, they support student writers, they support literacy in many different ways, and they do all of that for free,” stated school librarian Stephanie Rosalia.
Through its awards and programs, the foundation encourages young writers and artists to share their stories. Rosalia also supported Capitulo throughout the process, helping him complete the project that earned him Special Recognition.
Small World was recognized along with the other winning entries by being displayed at BPL’s Central Library for the entire month of May.
‘Small World’ on display at BPL’s Central Library.
“I’m just so proud of him. It’s just he really persevered with it and worked really hard on it, and he did a really great job,” Rosalia said.
Rosalia said Brandon showed determination throughout the project. Even though he struggled with motivation at the beginning, he kept working hard and grew more confident as he went on.
His hard work and persistence ultimately earned him Special Recognition from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.
“You don’t write action, you show action, so that was all in his illustration,” said Rosalia.