Ep 10. Keep the Lights Burning Abbie

Reading Rainbow was a beloved children's television show that ran from 1983 to 2006. Hosted by actor LeVar Burton, the show aimed to promote a love of reading in children by featuring popular children's books and exploring their themes and messages through interviews and field trips.

In season 3, episode 10, titled "Keep the Lights Burning Abbie," LeVar visits a lighthouse perched on a rocky island off the coast of Maine. The show begins with LeVar introducing the theme of the episode: perseverance. He explains that perseverance means never giving up, even in the face of challenges and obstacles. He says that the book he will be reading in this episode is about a real-life girl who showed incredible perseverance in a difficult situation.

The book is called "Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie," by Peter Roop and Connie Roop, with illustrations by Peter E. Hanson. It tells the story of Abbie Burgess, a young girl who lives with her family on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Abbie's father is a lighthouse keeper, and he must leave the island during a storm to get supplies. He tells Abbie and her mother to keep the lighthouse lamp burning so that the ships passing by can see the light and avoid the dangerous rocks that surround the island. However, the storm is much worse than anyone anticipated, and Abbie and her mother are left alone to keep the light burning for days on end. They face many challenges, including running out of oil for the lamp, but Abbie perseveres and keeps the light burning, saving many lives in the process.

After reading the book, LeVar takes viewers on a tour of the actual lighthouse where Abbie lived and worked. He talks to a historian who explains the history of the lighthouse and the role it played in shipping and commerce in the 1800s. LeVar also meets a woman who is a descendant of Abbie Burgess and learns more about Abbie's life and the challenges she faced.

Throughout the episode, LeVar emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination. He encourages viewers to think about their own struggles and challenges and to remember that they can overcome them with hard work and persistence. He also emphasizes the importance of reading and learning about inspiring stories, like Abbie Burgess's, to help us stay motivated and focused on our goals.

Overall, "Keep the Lights Burning Abbie" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode of Reading Rainbow that teaches children the value of perseverance and determination. Through the story of Abbie Burgess, children learn that even in the face of adversity and difficulty, they can find the strength and courage to keep going and achieve their goals. With LeVar's help, children also learn about the history of lighthouses and the important role they played in shipping and commerce in the 1800s. This episode is a testament to the power of reading and learning in inspiring us to be our best selves.