The NYC Department of Education is partnering with Book Trust to increase a love of reading in NYC schools.  Book Trust is a 501(c)(3) literacy program that helps students purchase and own their own books.  Students are then able to create their own home libraries.  Literacy programs aren’t new, and most programs that allow kids to purchase books visit schools about two or three times a year.  I’m sure we’ve all been to a couple of Scholastic book fairs in elementary school.  What makes Book Trust different is the monthly access to the program as well as the fact that Book Trust gives children a spending allowance to order books.

With $7 given to each child by Book Trust, students are encouraged to find books on the subjects they want to read about and teachers are able to help students pick books that are both challenging and appropriate for their reading level.  Students also use a budget worksheet to figure out what books they can afford.  This teaches both math and basic financial literacy skills, helping children create a “book budget” each month.  Children can also bring their own funds if they decide to purchase more books.  Book Trust covers the cost of $7 worth of books, and kids are able to own and create their own home libraries of books that they are actually interested in reading.

According to Book Trust, an average of 31% of students are reading at grade level before the program.  At the end of the year, the number of students reading at grade level increases to 59%, almost doubling the percentage of readers on grade level.  Book Trust teachers also report that 87% of students have an increased desire to improve their reading skills, and 98% of students are reading with their families at home.  This is an incredible program that reaches kids exactly where they are, engages and equips them, and spurs further learning and development at home with their families.  As children get older and have children of their own, they’re more likely to instill a desire to read and learn in their families, which creates a virtuous cycle.

With a third of their funding coming from individual donations, Book Trust depends on people like you and me to support their expansion.  Consider donating to them, as they have expanded their program to four schools in the Bronx.  These schools are:

CS 112 Bronxwood School

PS 154 Jonathan D. Hyatt

PS 85 Great Expectations

Urban Scholars Community School