As a former English teacher, I know the power literature yields: the power to make us double-over in anguish or shout with joy; the power to transport us to places both real and imaginary; the power to challenge our beliefs and change us from the inside out. Books are mirrors. Books are mentors. Books are treasured friends.
Research has clearly shown that reading is inextricably linked to success in the classroom and beyond, but as budget cuts take effect, many children are denied access to quality resources. After reading about local schools' lack of funding, ten year old twins and avid readers Hannah and Alex Laman decided to write a new chapter.
With the help of their mother Angela, they created Adopt a Book which places books in the hands of underserved children and young adults in Greater Cincinnati. Since their launch in 2011, they have distributed 32,000 books to local hospitals, schools, libraries, and outreach programs. December has been a big month for Adopt a Book as 4,654 books have been donated to Cheviot Elementary School, Lighthouse Youth Services, and other local organizations.
Angela spoke to us about their specific needs, and you can give the gift of literacy this holiday season by supporting Adopt a Book.
Thank you, Adopt a Book, for sharing your story with us. We believe your clever name rings true; when we read the right book, we adopt it; it burrows into our soul and stays with us forever.
Readers, we’d love to hear about a book you “adopted” in the comments section. I’ll start! :)
**Note: We're really excited to reveal that our February 12th kickoff event will benefit Adopt a Book! Create a free account here to register for this fabulous event!
Research has clearly shown that reading is inextricably linked to success in the classroom and beyond, but as budget cuts take effect, many children are denied access to quality resources. After reading about local schools' lack of funding, ten year old twins and avid readers Hannah and Alex Laman decided to write a new chapter.
With the help of their mother Angela, they created Adopt a Book which places books in the hands of underserved children and young adults in Greater Cincinnati. Since their launch in 2011, they have distributed 32,000 books to local hospitals, schools, libraries, and outreach programs. December has been a big month for Adopt a Book as 4,654 books have been donated to Cheviot Elementary School, Lighthouse Youth Services, and other local organizations.
Angela spoke to us about their specific needs, and you can give the gift of literacy this holiday season by supporting Adopt a Book.
- Tote bags, bookmarks, and new or gently-used books can be donated. Schedule a pickup time via email, and Adopt a Book will gather donations at your convenience. (NOTE: Half-Price Books (Kenwood) is having a 20% off storewide sale December 26-December 30).
- Monetary donations are always welcome as Adopt a Book is trying to fund a storage facility.
- Follow Adopt a Book on Twitter and Facebook to help spread the word about their mission.
Thank you, Adopt a Book, for sharing your story with us. We believe your clever name rings true; when we read the right book, we adopt it; it burrows into our soul and stays with us forever.
Readers, we’d love to hear about a book you “adopted” in the comments section. I’ll start! :)
**Note: We're really excited to reveal that our February 12th kickoff event will benefit Adopt a Book! Create a free account here to register for this fabulous event!