First, we’re having a GREAT time with the One School-One Book program…. Getting “thank you” notes from parents already about how it’s “forcing” some family reading time that they seemed to have lost over the years.
— Paul Marinko - Principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School - Fort Wayne, IN
Since last spring, our entire school has excitedly embraced the One School, One Book Program. We will soon begin our spring selection: A Cricket in Times Square -- the third book we've adopted since the spring of 2010!

We are so thrilled with the positive impact this program has had on our students, families, and staff
— Laurie LaRue - First Grade Teacher at Edgewood School - Bristol, CT
I think the OSOB program is brilliant. My seven year-old attends Orleans Elementary in Massachusetts and they (we) are reading Masterpiece. Since the grades levels range from one to five at this school, finding a book to suit all is difficult. My daughter can follow the big picture somewhat but we have to reinforce what we’ve read because it’s a lot to take in for her.
— Glenn Krzeminski - Parent of student at Orleans Elementary - Orleans, MA
The One District, One Book program promoted by Read To Them...is a powerful way to systemically address and promote a culture of literacy throughout the entire school system.

My school actually adopted a hamster and even used it as “pet therapy” for many of the behaviorally challenged children in our school.
— Kenny Moles of West Virginia

Benefits & Requirements

The benefits of reading aloud are remarkable — studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, to build bigger vocabularies, to understand concepts better, to feel postive about both books and learning – and more.

When an entire school reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book increases these benefit. But it brings the added joy of building and expanding a sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and staff – and beyond. In some schools, bus drivers and custodial and cafeteria staff clamor to be included. And when a library or church or community group or commerical donor becomes involved, that sense of fostered community is exponential.

The effort and expense required for such a tremendous experience are modest, especially when compared to the return. The initial fee for books and program membership depends on the size of the school, and many schools can offset or cover that expense through grants or donations. When a school joins, they commit to a month of OSOB activities which are designed to work alongside normal daily school activities. Most schools report that these activities enhance, rather than hamper, the school day. A further strength of OSOB is that it can be easily refined, modified, and customized to fit each school’s environment, needs, and capabilities. Most schools have such a successful experience with OSOB that it becomes an annual part of their curriculum, and children and families look forward to it each year with eager anticipation.

Send an e-mail to One School, One Book Director, Bruce Coffey at bruce.coffey@readtothem.org – or call him at 804.310.1214 – to find out more.