I learned to read by sounding out the shortest words in comic books while my mother braided my hair every morning. I discovered the public library only a few blocks from our house. A kind woman who sat behind a big desk gave me wonderful books each time I came. These books became my lifeline, helping me to recognize feelings and questions that never could be said in our house. My mother took me to an ophthalmologist and demanded, "Tell her not to read so much." He replied, "Madame, that is what her eyes are for."BARBARA BONNER, Northfield
about the writer
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
