Thorndike Press presents for the first time large print titles for young people in Spanish
Source: Gale, part of Cengage Group
COLUMBUS, Ohio , April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Public Library Association Conference — With nearly 3.8 million native Spanish speakers making up the vast majority of English language learners ( ELL) in today’s U.S. schools, Gale’s Thorndike Press , part of Cengage Group, has launched its first collection of large-print youth books in Spanish. Designed based on feedback from librarians and educators, these new Spanish titles support emerging bilingual learners on their language development journey to become proficient in English, as well as to improve accessibility, equity, and inclusion for school districts.
Simplifying reading for emerging bilingual learners
Large print books can have a significant impact on ELL students’ language development. According to a recent study, conducted by Project Tomorrow, nearly two-thirds of teachers reported that using large print text led to faster acquisition of English by their students. Additionally, 42% of teachers noticed improved decoding skills in ELL students who read large print (see ELL statistics infographic).
“Reading books with related stories and characters helps kids connect,” said Meg Medina, author of three titles in the new collection. “When books published in their native language are available for use at school, students feel seen as part of the school community. They can stay connected to their own cultural background while bonding with their new classmates, no matter what the language. The story of an awkward seventh grader who can’t dance, gives them the opportunity to share, empathize, and practice the communication skills they need to thrive in our multicultural world.”
Thorndike Press Spanish Large Print Books for Young Adults are specifically designed to help students develop their language skills. Providing students with accessible reading materials in their native language helps young readers improve their vocabulary, grammatical skills, and reading comprehension, as well as helps teachers support emerging bilinguals of all reading abilities.
“By offering young people large print in Spanish, we create an inclusive environment that recognizes and celebrates linguistic diversity while ensuring that all students have access to the same educational resources,” said Donna Gray, library coordinator for the Library System. New York City Schoolchildren. “Making large print junior titles available in Spanish demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and supporting the diverse learning needs among our students. Ultimately, it enriches their educational experience and creates a more welcoming and inclusive for all.”
Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion for English Language Learners
The Thorndike Press Spanish Large Print Collection for Young Adults contains 17 highly acclaimed books, including 11 youth titles for grades 3-7 (ages 11-13) and six young adult titles for grades 8-12 (ages 14 to adults). All of these new books belong to the fiction genre and are available in both English and Spanish.
Thorndike Press Spanish Juvenile Large Print titles are completely unabbreviated and printed in 16-point font, with high-contrast black ink on high-opacity paper. An attractive back cover synopsis introduces readers to each book, and the text features expanded word spacing and 1/3 more line spacing than standard editions. This increased readability reduces eye strain, allows readers to focus on the content rather than struggling to decipher individual words, and supports family literacy by making it easier to share a physical book and read it together. Because the books are in Spanish, parents who are still fluent in English can support their children’s reading.
“We are thrilled to offer these young people in Spanish titles in large print to support students who are learning English. We believe in the power of inclusive literature to empower emerging bilingual learners,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager. “By providing accessible reading materials in both English and Spanish, we create a supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of emerging bilingual learners that improves literacy skills and fosters a love of reading.”
All new Thorndike Press Spanish large print titles, along with their English editions, are available through the Thorndike website and all major wholesalers. Thorndike plans to publish more large print titles for young adults in Spanish later this year.
For more information, visit Thorndike Press’s Spanish Youth Large Print website: https://www.gale.com/thorndike/ylp/spanish
About Cengage Group and Gale: Cengage Group, an educational technology company serving millions of students in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, vocational, library, English language education, and workforce training markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.gale.com.
About Thorndike Press: As the leading large print publisher, Gale ‘s Thorndike Press , part of Cengage Group, helps readers of all ages enjoy books.
