About the Project

I have the privilege of teaching eighth grade English and Social Studies at a Title I school. My students are hard-working, industrious, creative, and love to learn. However, reading for “fun” is a foreign concept for many. One of the ways I am working to build a love of literature is by adding new books to my class library. The titles are suggested by students as we watch book trailers together, explore book recommendations online, and look for more books by authors they have enjoyed in the past. Some of my most reluctant readers are finally opening up a book (by choice) and enjoying their time doing so. The books I purchase for the students represent the many diverse cultures, identities, and interests of my students. I believe that literature can change lives, and I want to help foster a life-long love of reading in my students. Purchasing high-interest books for them to borrow, read, and discuss is one of the ways to reach this goal. My students are one year away from graduating and moving on to high school. Studies show that when students are exposed to the literature they connect with, they are far more likely to continue reading as adults. My ultimate goal is to help cultivate informed and engaged citizens, and reading is a major way to help reach that goal.