Book Fairness

It’s been nearly five years since Avalon Elementary in Macomb County hosted a book fair. Thanks to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s My Home Library program, students were ecstatic to browse Scholastic’s shelves for five free books to end the school year.

This came just in time for Layla, a second-grade student, who loves to read, but had no new reading material to occupy her summer.

“I’m bored of all the old books I have at home; I already read all of them,” said Layla. “I like reading because it gives me knowledge.”

After selecting her five books, she held two above her head and exclaimed, “I’m going to have a blast at home!”

This year, United Way for Southeastern Michigan distributed 62,380 brand new books to over 12,000 local students in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Madison Heights, Hazel Park, Southfield and St. Claire Shores.

This was made possible by Ballmer’s DiscoverWorks and our sponsors GM, Detroit Red Wings, Fifth Third Bank and Student Assisted Services.

“I can’t believe it— it’s so great, so awesome,” said Angela LoVasco, building substitute at Avalon. “I’m amazed at the abundance of choice and quality.

“For a student to have the desire to pick something, read what they choose, and it fills their summer up, that’s awesome.”

SPARKING INTEREST

Efforts to promote a love of literacy go beyond book fairs. United Way also distributed 1,500 literacy kits to 22 local partners and stocked over 33 Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods around our region.

“Our goal is to increase equitable access to books and literacy resources while engaging schools, families, partners and volunteers,” said Tiffany Mousel, manager of engagement initiatives at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are creating a community-wide culture of reading that helps children thrive.”

These goals can only be achieved with community collaboration. In the last year, United Way mobilized over 300 volunteers who contributed more than 877 hours of service on literacy initiatives alone.

“Volunteerism increases meaningful community engagement,” said Tiffany. “By connecting individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities, we can meet community needs, strengthen nonprofit partners and inspire ongoing service.”

Now, students can stumble upon their next favorite book in their very own neighborhood or at a local community organization. Like eight-year-old Declan, whose eyes widened in curiosity as he held his new book, “Science Rules!”

“Look at this water that makes stuff dissolve,” said Declan. “My mom and dad will help me read this.”

Holding up “The Big Cheese” and a new Minecraft book, Declan continued, “I’ve been looking for this one, and this one is my favorite video game.”

By giving students freedom of choice, they are more motivated to start reading and come back to the book later on.

“I love puppies so much, I almost picked out all of the puppy books,” said Eleanor, six-year-old student at Avalon. “I just like learning about new stuff.”

SUMMER SUPPORT FOR ALICE

In southeastern Michigan, 41% of families are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) and struggle to meet basic needs like food, housing and child care. With rising costs and cuts to safety net programs, many families cannot afford the added expense of new books.

At book fairs, many students feel spoilt for choice with five free books and opt to use their last couple of free books for younger siblings.

“I’m getting this Spidey book for my brother,” said Emory, a seven-year-old student at Avalon. “Reading’s fun!”

When siblings share their excitement for books, it creates an environment that encourages reading at home and teachers couldn’t be more pleased.

“Wow, I don’t even know what to say— what a wonderful gift,” said Deb Fahle, kindergarten teacher at Avalon Elementary. “It’s perfect they can pick out something at their level right before summer.”

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