Daphne Russell from Books Save Lives worked with Santa Cruz County in Southern Arizona on the US Mexico border with her visceral reading method. She not only changed the lives of the adults that she trained, but in the children that she worked with and the children that these same adults worked with.

Meeting Daphne changed my life. I had been teaching 7th grade ELA the way I had been taught and the way those around me taught. When Daphne described her VISCERAL Method and then described the students she taught and what happened to her middle school students when they read introspectively, I knew there was no turning back—I was going to throw away everything I had thought about teaching ELA and do what she did. This is my third year using her method, I’m happier, my kids are happier and our test scores have obvious, measurable improvement. September 2025 I will graduate with my Phd using her life changing literacy method.

The rubber has hit the road in education and few are as prepared for the tectonic shift as Daphne Russell. Transparency provided by the internet, COVID impact and Chat GPT have shaken traditional education to its core. Politicians, administrations, teachers, parents and learners are scrambling to find better ways to serve 21st century learners. My field is literacy. Daphne Russell has the best approach I have encountered for inspiring a love of reading in all students. I wholly support her and her education initiatives.

As an educator, I've attended countless workshops and seminars, but none have left a lasting impression like Daphne Russell's training. Her approach is a beacon of hope for teachers seeking to ignite a love for reading in their students. Daphne dives deep into the art of teaching literacy. She doesn't just scratch the surface; she excavates the bedrock of effective instruction. Her insights on differentiated learning, culturally responsive teaching, and fostering a growth mindset are invaluable. Daphne doesn't deal in abstract theories. She equips educators with practical tools. From interactive 'connection' techniques to creating book-rich environments, her strategies are immediately applicable in the classroom. Daphne's warmth and empathy create a safe space for teachers. She understands the challenges they face—overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and diverse student needs. Her training bridges theory and reality. Daphne's mantra is simple: "It's about the kids." She reminds us that every child deserves access to quality literature. Her guidance helps teachers curate book lists that resonate with students' lives. If you're an educator hungry for transformation, connect with Books Save Lives. Daphne's training isn't just about reading—it's about changing lives, one page at a time.