A big thanks to all our recent sponsors!
About Us
Kelly & Desiree
We are two moms of young children that love books! In pursuit of finding the best books for our children we discovered Usborne Books & More. This company offers a wide variety of books and activities that are engaging, educational, fun, and unique! These books have been so impactful for our own children that we are now on a mission to get these books in the hands of as many children as we can. Through partnering with Usborne Books & More and the help of our community we know that together we can make a positive impact in the lives of children through these books!
Usborne Books & More
More than 30 years ago, Peter Usborne pioneered a new generation of books that prove that it is possible to create books that compete with the vast media that attracts children today. From activity books, to neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias, Usborne does books better!
Usborne Books & More supports fundraisers like ours by giving a 50% match for each and every donation made!
Why Our Mission Matters
The Literacy Crisis
- Michigan reading proficiency is lower than the national average.
- 2 out of 3 low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children.
- In low-income neighborhoods the ratio of books per child is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children (Compared to 13 books for every child in middle-income neighborhoods).
- 1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning how to read.
- 1 in 6 children who are not reading proficiently in 3rd grade do not graduate from high school on time (This rate is 4x greater than that for proficient readers).
- 2/3rd of children who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
- 68% of 4th graders in Michigan are currently not reading at the proficient level
The Positive Impact of Books
- The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to books.
- The mere presence of books in the home can overcome the impact of parental education and income.
- Literacy has a significant relationship with a person's happiness and success.
- Books support education AND emotional needs
- Reading helps reduce stress, increase vocabulary, comprehension, and self-confidence, improve memory, sleep, focus, and concentration, and develop social-emotional skills need to succeed in life.
- This benefits all areas of education and life!
Why Usborne Books & More
Usborne Books & More provides a wide variety of high-quality books! Books that are educational AND engaging. To name just a few: there are books to help reduce stress or boost courage, books children can turn to when they are worried or bored, books that engage the senses, books that make learning fun, books that build creativity and curiosity, and books to support every need or interest!
We also love that Usborne Books & More supports missions like ours by offering a 50% match on funds raised for charities! This allows our efforts and your generosity to go even further and benefit more children!
Research Links
- Child Illiteracy in America: Statistics, Facts, and Resources | Regis College
- Illiteracy in America: Troubling Statistics and How Schools Can Help | Resilient Educator
- Fifty Top Literacy Statistics - Ferst Readers
- The Issue | RIF.org
- Benefits & Importance of Reading to Children | Children's Bureau (all4kids.org)
- Benefits of Reading to Children | In The Book US
- Reading to Children: Why It’s So Important and How to Start (healthline.com)