Wow! SRA. Did that ever bring back memories. My own elementary school used SRA resources, but I haven't thought of that term for so many decades. When I first saw it again while editing your draft, the memory felt like a ghost. I wasn't sure if it was real.

I didn't learn to read properly until the third grade when my teacher Miss Escrupulo ran a class centered on group and independent reading — similar to what you describe, but not quite as much "off the beaten path."

She too pulled groups and individuals aside for personalized instruction, and I was so fortunate that she sat with me every day to help me learn. I began that year afraid of reading because I couldn't do it, which always seemed to make adults angry and to focus frustration on me.

I ended the year racing through books like the Box Car Children, and soon I would be sneak-reading the Naria novels after bedtime with a flashlight under my blankets.

Miss Escrupulo's casual classroom and kind manner changed my life so much!

I'm sure countless of your own former students tell similar stories.

I'm just as sure that your other writings have been as impactful. I'm so pleased you feel P&P gives you a writing outlet, and I'm even more pleased that some of your stories have resonated and found larger audiences!