Best-selling author James Patterson just made another generous pledge to support child literacy.
On Tuesday, Patterson announced he’s giving $1.25 million to classroom libraries in 2019, according to the Associated Press. It’s his fifth contribution to the Patterson Partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs, an initiative to “get excellent children’s books into the hands of every child.” The author is donating $250 each to 4,000 teachers around the US to help them purchase books.
The partnership will also distribute $500 each to 500 teachers with three years or less experience in partnership with Scholastic. The program is taking applications online until July 31, and a winner will be announced in September.
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“Illiteracy—or lack of reading proficiency—is a huge and often daunting issue in this country,” Patterson said in a statement released by Scholastic. “Tackling this epidemic can be overwhelming for parents and educators alike. But we have to start somewhere.
“Getting books into the hands of children is an excellent place to start,” he said.
Another $1.25 Million for teachers!
We will teach every child to read. Period. https://t.co/gQ7Ha4VF4M
— James Patterson (@JP_Books) April 4, 2019
Known for his novels, including hit series such as Alex Cross and Women’s Murder Club, Patterson has been committed to child literacy throughout his career. He’s donated $7.25 million to school and classroom libraries through his partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs, launched in 2015.
The benefits of investing in child literacy are endless –– it boosts participation in the labor market, improves health and nutrition, reduces poverty, and expands life opportunities. But globally, 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills, and in many US states, more than 40% of students read below grade level, Patterson explained in his statement.
Read More: James Patterson is donating $1.75 Million to school libraries
When schools lack resources like books for its students to get them up to speed, teachers end up picking up the slack. According to one survey, US teachers spend nearly $500 of their own money every year on school supplies. Patterson hopes his donation will help fill the funding gap.
“My hope is that my partnership with Scholastic helps teachers fill their classroom bookshelves, and gives their students access to books that they’re excited to read — and ultimately, to foster a lifelong love of reading, as I strongly believe that better readers make better people,” he said.
Source: Global Citizen