Meet Johanna and Herlancie

OWL talked to Haitian students Herlancie, 11, and Johanna, 15, about how books — and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) — has helped them recover from disaster.

OWL: How have you been affected by hurricanes?
Johanna: I remember the day the school collapsed. As soon as I heard the bell for recess, darkness was upon us. Every time I think of it, that makes me sad.

OWL: What happened after your school collapsed?
Herlancie: I went to a new school. I had a chance to get new books and a school bag. Many people came to help us.

OWL: How has the IBBY program helped you?
Herlancie: Books help me a lot. I feel better when I read.
Johanna: I like when the monitors read for us. It sounds good.