On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, A Abana Auto Insurance representative, Cristina Montalvo, presented a check to Aldine Ninth Grade School, with the funds to be used for the purchase of additional campus library books, per a written grant. The check was received by Aldine’s principal, Dr. Kanisha Wiley, Information Literacy Specialist, Clemencia Ramirez, and several student representatives.
The Donors Choose grant was written by Ramirez to add diverse books to the library’s collection. The students of Aldine Ninth come from diverse backgrounds and are smart, creative, and resilient. A majority of them are Hispanic and/or Latinx, and many of them have walked dangerous roads to make it to this country. Some are Dreamers, and their only home has been this country, while others are coming out or still figuring things out.
One thing they all have in common, is that they would like to see themselves represented in the books they read. It is for this reason that the collection of books was chosen. Some books tell stories of immigration, some of Hispanic-Americans born and living in the U.S. and some tell stories of teens coming out. All of the books have characters of Latinx heritage, which will also help to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. With these books, students will be able to pick up a book of their choosing and see themselves in it, which Ramirez has stated is important for them to become avid readers. 
“I have noticed that when my students can relate to the character, they are more likely to finish the book and pick up another one just like it,” said Ramirez. “My goal is to build lifelong readers, and it starts with this collection of books.”
The Donors Choose grant was fully funded by A Abana Auto Insurance, who serve the Houston community, as well as other communities, throughout Texas.
