Four programs, one goal.
Every child reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Here is what each program does, who it is for, and what it costs per child.
| Program | Who | When | Cost per child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book a Month | Pre-K to 3rd grade, all 14 schools | Sept to June, first Monday | $37 a year |
| Reading Buddies | K to 3rd grade, by teacher referral | Twice a week, 3:30 to 5:00 PM | $177 a year |
| Summer Shelf | Every child in Book a Month | Three books in June, a reading log for July | $12 a summer |
| Family Read Nights | Parents, caregivers and siblings | Once a term at each school, with dinner | $9 a family |
Book a Month
A new book, chosen by the child's own teacher, goes home on the first Monday of every month from September to June.
- Each book has a bookplate with the child's first name. It is theirs to keep.
- A note for the family in English, Spanish, Arabic or Bengali, with three questions to ask while reading.
- Board books for Pre-K, picture books for K and 1, first chapter books for 2 and 3.
How we choose books
Teachers choose, we buy. A title makes the list when a child can see themselves in it or see somewhere new, when it reads aloud well, and when it matches the reading level of most of the class. About half of each year's list is by Black and Latino authors, because that is who our kids are.
- Pre-KHair LoveMatthew A. Cherry
- KindergartenThe Snowy DayEzra Jack Keats
- Grade 1We Are in a Book!Mo Willems
- Grade 2Mercy Watson to the RescueKate DiCamillo
- Grade 3Ways to Make SunshineRenée Watson
- Grade 3, SpanishJuana & LucasJuana Medina
Reading Buddies
One trained adult, one child, the same pair all semester. Ninety minutes, twice a week, in the school library after the last bell.
- 3:30 Snack and talk about the day
- 3:45 The buddy reads this month's book aloud
- 4:15 The child reads it back, with help
- 4:45 Log the pages and pick a word of the day
Summer Shelf
Kids who don't read over the summer lose ground by September. Every child leaves in June with three books and a reading log, and a $5 book voucher if they log 20 days.
Family Read Nights
Dinner, a read-aloud and a free book for every sibling, once a term at each school. Parents leave with the month's three questions to ask at home.