{"id":2635,"date":"2022-01-20T23:22:37","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T23:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/?p=2635"},"modified":"2025-10-14T21:02:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:02:31","slug":"readers-respond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/2022\/01\/20\/readers-respond\/","title":{"rendered":"Readers Respond!"},"content":{"rendered":"

October 12, 2025
\r\nI just wanted to say how truly grateful we are\u2014both Youtao and our family. We deeply appreciate this beautiful feature<\/a> on the Skipping Stones<\/em> website. Seeing his interview and paintings presented with such care means so much to us.
\r\n<\/span>I\u2019m touched by your dedication to young people around the world. Skipping Stones<\/em> provides such a wonderful space for youth to connect, share, and learn from one another. It inspires passion for literature and the arts, nurtures creativity and curiosity, and reminds us of the profound power of words and art to connect and uplift the human spirit.
\r\nI\u2019m so happy that Youtao can be part of this warm, creative family and contribute in his own small way. It means a lot to see him immersed in what he loves, growing and learning through this meaningful community.
\r\n<\/span>Thank you again for all that you and your team do to encourage and nurture young voices everywhere. We\u2019ll be sharing the feature with our friends, relatives, and Youtao\u2019s school community. <\/span>It\u2019s a joy to know that his work will also appear in the upcoming print issue. We are really looking forward to it!
\r\n<\/span>With heartfelt gratitude<\/span>,<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Jiaen Cao (Youtao Cao\u2019s mother), Japan.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Sept. 4, 2025
\r\n<\/span>This was our first week of school, and I just wanted to let you know that we have received the copies of the magazine, and everything has been distributed to students. This edition is really lovely. The students appreciate it as they enjoy reading the variety of stories, articles, and poetry.\u00a0<\/span>
\r\nThank you again for allowing children around the world to share their unique perspectives.<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Yolanda Toni, teacher, Illinois.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n

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March 24, 2025
\r\n<\/span>Thank you for being a voice of hope, love, and compassion. My mail is full of pleas for my money and time; but never the glow I feel when I find Skipping Stones<\/em> in the stack of mail. I am blessed to have met you. If there is a way I might promote your work, please do tell me. <\/span>Keep it up, write on.<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Cindy Kokis, Eugene, Oregon.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Dec. 29, 2024
\r\n<\/span>We pleased to share this letter by Mrs. Patricia Onorato of Connecticut. She adds in her email, \u201cSkipping Stones has been\u2014and remains\u2014such an exciting, enjoyable part of our family’s reading over many years. We look forward to new issues and perusing your wonderful website!\u201d
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Dec. 6, 2024
\r\n<\/span>Just wanted to add a note of appreciation and admiration for the last issue on 2024 Awards. Of course, I want to read each and every book, but also mention how inspiring it is to see what young people can do when they combine their hearts\u2019 longings and experiences with their skills!! Thank you for providing this sharing place!
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2014Kathy Beckwith, author and educator, Oregon.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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August 30, 2024
\r\n<\/span>It\u2019s a great joy for our daughter Jessie to receive recognition from professional editors. We read through the magazine (Volume 36, issue no. 2) and felt how much endeavors you and you team devoted into it. We really love the content, seeing so many peers excel in different ways.<\/span>
\r\nGreat appreciation for you and your team!<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Liping Chen (Jessie’s mom), British Columbia, Canada.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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April 15, 2024
\r\n<\/span>Dear Arun, what a marvelous issue of Skipping Stones<\/em> (Vol. 36, no. 1). You do such an outstanding job of making known children\u2019s perception, intelligence and amazing capacity to do good. I deeply honor you for your vision and your hard work!<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u2014Stephanie Tsuchida, art teacher, Oregon.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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March 28, 2024<\/span><\/div>\r\n

Sufyana was so happy and delighted to receive the Skipping Stones<\/em> issue in the mail; thank you so much for making the effort to reach out and to send the contributor copies, they will be treasured! The array of thoughtful and beautifully written and genuine writing in Skipping Stones<\/em> really impressed us!<\/span>
\r\nYesterday, Sufyana received in the mail an incredible gift of books, and she, her middle sister Aydina, and youngest sister Wilaya were overjoyed! That was such an unexpected blessing and surprise, and they began reading them right away. Thank you so much for these wonderful books!<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Saleela S., Sufyana Johnson and family, Maryland.<\/span>
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March 14, 2024<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thank you so much for publishing my article (see Vol. 36, no. 1, pages 22-23)<\/em>, \u201cStudent Poems of Hope, Faith, and Love.\u201d <\/span>
\r\nYour publication is inspiring students, teachers, administrators, and parents across the country and around the world. There is a lot of heartfelt work, love, and dedication put into the children\u2019s poetry and prose. The artworks\u2014especially on the last page (p. 35)<\/em>, and also the back cover\u2014are beautiful and emotionally strong and send a powerful message of courage to your readers.<\/span>
\r\nAnd congratulations to Austin Liu for \u201cGirl with Dukhu\u201d front cover. I can\u2019t say enough about the painting. This is museum quality artwork.<\/span>
\r\nI\u2019m always amazed by how much \u201cgreat stuff\u201d is packed into 36 pages. This is a credit to you and all the effort to create a fantastic magazine. After you finish reading it, you walk away feeling really good about the creativity, self-expression, and power of passionate communication. <\/span>
\r\nThanks again.<\/span>
\r\nWith kind regards,<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Jeffrey Pflaum, (now retired) teacher, educator, New York.<\/span><\/em><\/span>
\r\nP.S. \u201cPeace Within, Peace in Our World.\u201d Yes! (see Vol. 36, no. 1, page 18).<\/em>
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November 22, 2023<\/span>
\r\nThank you, Arun, for all the work that goes into producing this most wonderful magazine for children of the world!
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u2014Cynthia Lewis-Berry, Oregon.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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November 2, 2023
\r\n<\/span>Thank you so much!! We are very happy to have my daughter Parnian’s first paper published in Skipping Stones<\/em>. This will definitely be her life-time fuel tank to pursue her dreams one by one and use obstacles as stepping stones and jump forward like Skipping Stones<\/em>!<\/span>
\r\nI am honored to express my gratitude by saying that your organization has been and will be a life-changing center.<\/span>
\r\nOn behalf of Parnian, please thank your colleagues who made this happen. I truly believe it is an inclusively rich source of love, inspiration, and courage for anyone who visits your platform. <\/span>
\r\nGood Job, Skipping Stones<\/em> Team!<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Dr. Ali Derahvasht, University of Malaya, Malaysia.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

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October 27, 2023<\/span>
\r\nDear Arun,<\/span>
\r\nOur prayers are the best gift we can give for peace around the world. Yes, it is rather discouraging and I find that there’s only so much news I can watch on TV or hear over the radio. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\r\nI visit your website periodically, and I am so impressed with the caliber of writing and artwork submissions posted from youngsters around the world. And it’s always a joyous occasion to receive the latest print issue in the post to hold and read. And afterwards I share the print issue with two young readers in Kodiak, Alaska. \u00a1Mil gracias, Arun!<\/span>
\r\nWith gratitude and kind regards,<\/span>
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Katacha Diaz, Peruvian American author, Oregon.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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October 26, 2023
\r\nGreetings Arun,
\r\nSomething I wanted to share with you; I commend you on your work with Skipping Stones.<\/em> It really is a lovely venue for young writers and artists worldwide. I feel honored that I am part of it.
\r\nAnd as I work on reducing the stigma of mental illness, and quitting smoking, you work on creating understanding of, and between, all young people. With empathy and compassion. And there is great wisdom in all of this. We all have so much in common. In reality, each of us are branches from the same tree. And that tree is love.
\r\nSo as we travel on this wandering path together, may we enjoy the simple things. And know that our children hold the hope for an even better future. I say this because my higher power\u2014my friends and family\u2014has given me such wonderful gifts to choose from. And there is no time for self pity. This I have learned from the children of Skipping Stones.<\/em>
\r\nA slow day is a time waiting to be filled with joy. Life certainly gives us some hard lessons. Yet still we persevere. The gift is truly in the giving. And, when I give to Skipping Stones<\/em> I feel happy.
\r\nShalom,
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Jon Bush, artist and author, Massachusetts.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Dear Arun,<\/p>\r\n

If I may comment on the latest issue of Skipping stones, Vol. 35, no.1, March-August 2023:
\r\nWhat a spectacular display of visual and literary art! The presentations on the printed pages draws a person into reading the outstanding articles that provides one with \u201cpage turning\u201d insights of different cultures.
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Margaret dingus, M.A.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Dear Arun,<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Sept. – Dec. 2021 edition of Skipping Stones is the best ever. It is superb. So many of the writings brought tears to my eyes. I wish you could put out other printed editions\u2014say once or twice a year.
\r\nThank you for your masterful work.
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Dr. Irwin Noparstak, Oregon.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

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Dear Arun,<\/p>\r\n

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What a joy to receive the latest print issue of\u00a0Skipping Stones. \u00a0<\/em>I am so grateful to be reading the Sept. – Dec. 2021 issue filled with outstanding writing,\u00a0illustrations and photography from young contributors around the world.\u00a0 Thank you to the editorial team!
\r\nI am pleased to make another 2021 donation in support of\u00a0Skipping Stone<\/em>s.\u00a0
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Katacha Diaz, Peruvian American author, Oregon.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

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Dear Arun,<\/p>\r\n

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I hope you know how much I value your work. For many years Skipping Stones<\/em> has been a wonderful part of my life.
\r\nThrough all of my adventures through the literary world I can honestly say I’ve never seen a magazine as open and diverse as Skipping Stones<\/em>, and that is all thanks to you. It has beautiful art and intriguing stories by young people from all over the world. I have learned so much about different cultures through Skipping Stones<\/em>.
\r\nTruly the children are our future. May we guide them in peace as you do. Encourage them to greatness. Support their dreams. Believe in them. What we invest now will surely be returned a thousand fold to coming generations.
\r\nWhen we plant the seed of hope and nourish it, that is the way to health. And when it becomes a great big tree we can say, \u201cThat was a good deed I did that day.\u201d
\r\nBest wishes,
\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2014Jon Bush, artist and author, Massachusetts.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

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<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

October 12, 2025 I just wanted to say how truly grateful we are\u2014both Youtao and our family. We deeply appreciate this beautiful feature on the Skipping Stones website. Seeing his interview and paintings presented with such care means so much to us. I\u2019m touched by your dedication to young people around the world. Skipping Stones […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,4,20],"tags":[450,509,510],"class_list":["post-2635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-family-and-community","category-multicultural","category-social-issues","tag-feedback","tag-letters-to-the-editor","tag-views-and-comments"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2635"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7105,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions\/7105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skippingstones.org\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}