TLRN and Amarillo Little Theater Book Giveaway 2025

This holiday season, The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) partnered with the Amarillo Little Theatre (ALT) Academy during their production of Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, a stage adaptation of Barbara Park’s popular book series. Local elementary schools were invited to watch the Academy’s student-led performance ahead of opening night. As they walked into ALT’s vibrant Adventure Space, students were greeted with a table full of Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May) books and, following the performance, each child left with their very own copy to take home. 

The performance follows Junie B. Jones and the students of Room 1 as they prepare for their upcoming Secret Santa gift exchange. While students laughed and cheered at the hijinks that unfolded as Junie B. searched for the perfect gift for “Tattletale May,” her archnemesis and Secret Santa recipient, they also learned about the power of empathy and the important role goodwill plays in strengthening communities and promoting kindness. Junie B.’s story didn’t end when the curtain fell. The copies of Junie B. Jones provided by TLRN equipped teachers with resources to continue discussions about generosity, navigating challenging relationships, and fostering kindness within their classrooms. The books encourage long-term critical engagement by allowing students to compare the live performance they watched with the written story in their hands. Seeing a familiar story interpreted onstage not only demonstrates how shifting perspectives play a role in reimagining a single narrative, but it also introduces theater as a creative form of expression. This experience can broaden students’ appreciation for new modes of storytelling while continuing to spark a love for books. 

Together, TLRN and ALT Academy were able to create a meaningful experience for many students in Amarillo ISD. Each time a child opens their copy of Junie B. Jones, they will be able to revisit a story that celebrates grace, generosity, and the spirit of giving during the holiday season. By bringing Junie B. Jones to life onstage and placing her stories in students’ hands, TLRN and ALT Academy have set the stage for students to stay connected in their communities and to eagerly seek out their next Junie B. Book.