This is so fabulous Jami! My sister taught 5th grade for decades and Scholastic was such a big deal to her along w/ the Caldecott Medal. (Scholastic was big to both of us when we were kids). She so loved one unknown author she threw his hat into the ring for Caldecott and he was nominated (cant now recall if he won). Your photos are fantastic! Kudos to you!
To make it possible for those awesome kids to "pick out a book they could take home and keep 'forever and ever'". . . . What a gorgeous thing to bring to life. Their joy is fabulous to see.
This is so lovely, Jamie. Thank you for investing so deeply in your community and for letting us be a part of it. Especially in the days ahead, as things will almost certainly get worse before they can get better, community care will be essential. Thanks for modeling this for all of us.
I’m writing with tears reading your letter and looking at the delightful photos of those sweet kids excited about have a new book to take home. This was the boost I needed this morning. A book is the gift that keeps on giving. Well done, Jami!
The simplest path is to know a school librarian or a parent who is interested in arranging one with you (or is already coordinating one) if you can fundraise for it. There are plenty that are already in progress and you can help fund them. But you can also contact Scholastic themselves--a representative can help you locate schools in you area and start the process.
I’m a school librarian in a Title I school and have been able to collect donations from friends and our church for book fairs for the past six years. Every student gets to choose one “forever” book to take home. It definitely ranks up there as one of the best days of the year for me too!
Heartwarming and inspiring-- and those happy faces! Thanks for doing this and sharing it with us.
how do we contribute? When is the next one?
As a former teacher, just had to say thank you! This is WONDERFUL and something these kiddos won't soon forget.
This is so fabulous Jami! My sister taught 5th grade for decades and Scholastic was such a big deal to her along w/ the Caldecott Medal. (Scholastic was big to both of us when we were kids). She so loved one unknown author she threw his hat into the ring for Caldecott and he was nominated (cant now recall if he won). Your photos are fantastic! Kudos to you!
To make it possible for those awesome kids to "pick out a book they could take home and keep 'forever and ever'". . . . What a gorgeous thing to bring to life. Their joy is fabulous to see.
Thank you much for sharing this! Precisely what I (we all) needed to get out of the doldrums and do something for the community. Inspiring.
OMG look at their little faces!!! this is amazing and yes, a shot of much-needed joy!
This is so wonderful!!!
YES! Love this so much.
This is the dose of love I needed upon waking 😍
This is so lovely, Jamie. Thank you for investing so deeply in your community and for letting us be a part of it. Especially in the days ahead, as things will almost certainly get worse before they can get better, community care will be essential. Thanks for modeling this for all of us.
I’m writing with tears reading your letter and looking at the delightful photos of those sweet kids excited about have a new book to take home. This was the boost I needed this morning. A book is the gift that keeps on giving. Well done, Jami!
So awesome! I've been waiting to see this post. The culmination of your labor to bring your substack community together to benefit new readers!
Ah! This is so amazing! Look at those happy faces! <3
Just beautiful — what you all did and the photos. How can more communities arrange this kind of a book fair?
The simplest path is to know a school librarian or a parent who is interested in arranging one with you (or is already coordinating one) if you can fundraise for it. There are plenty that are already in progress and you can help fund them. But you can also contact Scholastic themselves--a representative can help you locate schools in you area and start the process.
I’m a school librarian in a Title I school and have been able to collect donations from friends and our church for book fairs for the past six years. Every student gets to choose one “forever” book to take home. It definitely ranks up there as one of the best days of the year for me too!
Thank you for doing that Paula! Glad everyone gets to experience the fun.