Schools
Attleboro School Keeps Little Boy's Memory Alive with Books
Remembering Matthew McGowan through the pages of his favorite books.
After 18 months of living with brain cancer, Matthew McGowan, a third-grader student at lost his battle. McGowan died, but his memory lives on.
The McGowan family is keeping Matthew alive with an impressive book collection donated in his name to the school library. The collection of books continues to grow.
“Matthew loved reading and because of his illness he received lots of books from his classmates, friends and family,” said his mother, Linda McGowan. “He was a typical little boy whose favorite books included 'Captain Underpants,' the 'Magic Tree House Series' and 'Sponge Bob.'”
Find out what's happening in Attleborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Like most children, Matthew enjoyed reading or listening to the gift books being read to him.
So when Matthew lost his battle with the deadly disease, the McGowan family donated Matthew's large collection of books to the school library.
Find out what's happening in Attleborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We wanted to do something for the school in his memory,” his mother said.
There are approximately 800 books in the collection and it continues to grow. Each book is marked with a gray ribbon, identifying it as not only Matthew's Collection, but also as in recognition of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
"Matthew was all about giving to others, even when he was fighting his cancer, and this book collection is a perfect reflection of who Matthew was and how much he loved Hill-Roberts and all the students and staff there," his mother said.
Matthew’s gift of books continues all week, after school vacation, April 25-29, when Hill-Roberts students vote for their favorite of two books written and illustrated by North Attleboro resident, Karen Dugan: "Always Blue for Chicu" or "Ms. April and Ms. Mae: A Fable."
This is the second year of the book election. Its timing is planned to closely coincide with what would have been Matthew's birthday, April 13.
Hill-Roberts librarian Julie Cotsalas has read the two books to the classes and has prepared for the election. There are voting booths, a ballot box and even “I Voted” stickers simulating an authentic election. The book votes will be tallied during the students’ math classes.
"Matthew was a remarkable young boy," Cotsalas said. "During his illness he always had a big smile and a very positive outlook."
“We also have been inviting parents during parent conferences to adopt a book for Matthew’s Special Book Collection," his mother added. "My daughter Miranda, a high school student, and her friends set up a table at the school to help parents."
Book plates with Matthew’s name and the donor’s name are placed in the book, according to McGowan.
“Using suggested book titles from Cotsalas and helpful salespeople at Borders I have purchased many new books in memory of Matthew,” she added.
Along with fiction and nonfiction books, McGowan has also purchased books that cover social-emotional issues written for kids including books about adoption, autism, death and divorce.
"It means so much to us that Matthew's spirit and legacy lives on in a school that he so loved," McGowan said. "We are deeply touched that so many children and their families continue to support and add to Matthew's collection. The book collection ensures that Matthew will forever be a permanent part of the Hill-Roberts' community."