Starting a Book Distribution Team: The Facts
80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books for their children. footnote 1
A recent study shows that while in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 for every 300 children. footnote 2
The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large and a large number of textbooks per student. footnote 3
Commit yourself and a team of your friends and neighbors to help increase reading achievement and literacy by joining United We Serve. This tool kit will give you the basics to run a book drive, organize your group, and make an impact this summer.
What will you do to help increase reading and literacy?
2. Neuman, Susan B. and David K. Dickinson, ed. Handbook of Early Literacy Research, Volume 2. New York, NY: 2006, p. 31.
3. Newman, Sanford, et all. 'Americans Child Care Crisis: A Crime Prevention Tragedy"; Fight Crime; Invest in Kids, 2000.