Everyone’s first is always memorable, and First Book is inviting readers everywhere to share which book(s) first launched their love of reading. Now until September 15th, go to First Book and share the memories from childhood when you first discovered the joys of reading. The What Book Got You Hooked campaign’s idea is to help kids discover titles that may get them hooked on reading. Not only does this campaign seek to spark a wave of nostalgia, but First Book is also utilizing this approach to allow readers to vote on which state they believe should be granted a generous donation of 50,000 books.
The hype about this campaign is CRAZY and First Book invites celebrities to share their memories of favorite childhood books as well. If you were ever wondering what books helped form the minds of creative geniuses such as Neil Patrick Harris, Edward Norton, and Scarlett Johansson (to name a few) you’re in luck! First Book has a page of their website dedicated to allowing celebrity supporters to share what books kept them up at night. Authors like RL Stine and Lois Lowry also give readers a taste of what stories inspired them to write the books that many of us love reading.
The objective of First Book is to give children of low-income families the chance to read their own first new book. A new study proves that children of low-income communities only have access to one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Statistics also prove that there is a direct correlation between literacy and poverty. Of adults with strong reading skills only 4% live in poverty. There are 26 million children living in poverty in the US. First Book is aiming to get already avid readers involved in helping children of low-income communities gain access to books that may improve their futures.
Remember, 50,000 books can help a lot of children. Last year’s 2007 What Book Got You Hooked campaign generated over 130,000 votes by the end of its two month voting period. I think we can do better than that this year (Yes, I did just challenge you). Readers, you have until midnight September 15th to cast your vote. Please help spread the word, and check back for updates about this awesome project! I look forward to reading your write-in responses about your childhood memories, and hope you look forward to reading mine as well!
