By Dr. Joshua Sherman
THE UNITED STATES OF READERS PROGRAM KICKS OFF ITS OFFICIAL LAUNCH AFTER A SUCCESSFUL TWO-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM
“OUR NATION IS EXPERIENCING A LITERACY CRISIS,”says Judy Newman, Chief Impact Officer for Scholastic, Inc., which publishes and distributes children’s books. “National data reports that millions of students are reading below grade level, and only 14% of students are reading for fun.”
Recognizing the negative impact this will have on future generations, Scholastic has teamed up with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to turn the page and promote literacy through reading for fun. This first-of-its-kind program, “The United States of Readers,” was launched in Quincy, Massachusetts, in mid-October and will be introduced in five Title I school districts across the Commonwealth this school year.
Here’s how it works: The program provides access to books for 10,000 students in grades Pre-K to 8 who attend Title I schools in Quincy, Revere, Holyoke, Framingham, and the southern Berkshires. Students choose from a curated selection of grade-appropriate titles, a total of 10 books (two books, five times a year) to add to their home libraries at no cost to families. In addition, teachers will receive 25 books a year for their own classroom libraries.
This ambitious program is aimed at boosting the literacy rates that have stagnated for decades and is using a proven model created by teachers and Scholastic to make reading fun and joyful. This approach is backed by research. According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, more than 90% of children say that their favorite books—and the ones they are more likely to finish—are the ones they pick themselves.
Newman explains the philosophy behind the program: “Year after year, literacy assessments capture how our schools cannot bridge the literacy gaps on their own. The mission of the United States of Readers program is for every child to choose and own their books and experience the joy of reading.”
The United States of Readers program is built on a simple yet powerful idea: when children have access to books of their own choosing, they are more motivated to read. Self-confidence, a greater connectedness to community and agency are also measurable results of the program. For many children, this initiative will open doors to literacy and learning that were previously out of reach. It also develops skills associated with success in life: learning how to choose, understanding self and community, and continuing to nurture positive associations with books and reading throughout elementary and middle school.
Designed with teachers in mind, the program ensures that they have the tools and support they need to help their students thrive. Classroom teachers were consulted throughout the creation of the program, and their insights into student engagement and motivation played a key role in shaping the initiative. The goal is to improve students’ reading skills and foster a culture of reading where students feel confident in their abilities, are excited about books, and feel connected to their peers through shared reading experiences.
The program’s two-year pilot phase, funded by bestselling author James Patterson, served as a proving ground for its potential impact. Beginning in 2021, the pilot reached 45,000 students in 2,200 classrooms across the country, including the students at Molly Stark Elementary in Bennington, Vermont.
At Molly Stark, the program reached over 300 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Molly Stark Elementary saw firsthand the benefits of increased book access and ownership. The initiative also equipped almost two dozen teachers with the resources needed to inspire their students, providing not only classroom libraries, but also an opportunity for each student to build a personal collection of books at home.
“Increasing access to books and empowering students is a win for everyone—students, teachers, and families,” says Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is pleased to support the United States of Readers program as part of our ongoing efforts to increase literacy and education in every corner of Massachusetts.”
The United States of Readers program is part of a larger vision to address literacy gaps across the country, particularly in Title I schools and rural areas. The program is currently funded through state monies, as well as contributions from private philanthropists and donors. The goal is to eventually bring the program to every Title I school in Massachusetts, and to expand to other states across the U.S., ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to books and the opportunity to build their own home libraries.
As the program expands, it’s clear that the United States of Readers is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families in every state.
Who knows? Perhaps The Green Mountain State will be the next to officially join The United States of Readers.
For more information on how to support The United States of Readers, email UnitedStatesofReaders@scholastic.com
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