‘Kids definitely read’: Substitute teacher in Okinawa collects books for young readers

Caitlyn Webber stands with packages containing donated books at her home in Okinawa on November 6, 2024. Webber, a Marine Corps spouse and substitute English teacher at Kubasaki High School, collected nearly 240 donated books for her students through an online book drive. (Anya Webber)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – Caitlyn Webber, a military spouse, self-published author and substitute teacher at this Marine base, wanted to help with the high school’s upcoming book swap.

When he launched his book campaign, Operation #OkiTeenReaders, on October 20 through a video on his website and social media, he thought he could collect about 20 books. It is currently awaiting approximately 240 donated books in the mail and an unknown number of donations from people in Okinawa.

Speaking by phone on October 30, Webber said, “When I went to buy books the other day, there were 26 packages.” “He asked me, ‘What is this?’ They look at me as if to say, ‘Books; they are books.’ While they were scanning these, the men coming from behind took out five more packages to scan. “And I said, ‘I’ll probably see you tomorrow.'”

Webber, who self-published the three-book “Assassin” series under the pseudonym Libby Webber, has been working as an English language arts substitute for 11th and 12th graders at Kubasaki High School for about a year.

She came up with the idea for the book drive after learning about the exchange organized by librarian Charlotte Windom-Perdomo. According to Department of Defense Educational Activities spokesperson Miranda Ferguson, students will be able to replace the books they have read with new ones at the exchange planned to be held December 16-20.

“My kids love books, but we don’t have a really good bookstore here,” Webber said.

TikTok, Instagram and Facebook followers, some of whom also have military ties, reacted overwhelmingly to this.

“My ‘BookTok’ community loved it because they are not only military kids, but also young people who are often overlooked,” he said. “I feel like when we talk about kids everyone thinks of grade school kids; They don’t think about the young people who moved away during their high school years. “They make so many sacrifices.”

The initial target of 100 books was achieved in three days, and 100 books a week later.

The books range from graphic novels to young adult fiction published by indie authors who are friends of Webber. “If you name a species, it’s probably there,” he said.

Webber, whose husband is a Marine Gunnery Sergeant. Dion Webber said he will be in Okinawa with his children, ages 11 and 13, for at least two more years. He plans to do the book campaign again next year and is considering expanding it to other overseas military locations, such as Germany.

Donations by mail ended Thursday, but people in Okinawa can get in touch through Webber’s website. libbywebber.com and donate by the end of this month.

“Everyone says, ‘Children don’t study.’ “I think children should definitely read it,” he said. “As an English teacher, I know that the kids you think aren’t reading are reading based on the stories and articles they submit to me. “I think 100% of these kids are reading, even if you don’t know what they’re reading.”