“Books take me places like the stars.” – Roshawn

“Because of First Book, millions of children … across the country experience the magic and wonder of reading every day.” – Michael McGrady, Deputy Director, National Head Start Association.

“My dad has three books at his house. Now I’m almost like him.” – Jose

“With books of their very own, children can get lost in the magic and mystery while at home, where, at times, life may seem a bit hopeless.” – Director, Youth-In-Action/ Camp Rainbow (Recipients of books from First Book)

The single most important thing that can be done to raise the literacy rate in our country is to ensure that children have access to books. The number of books in the home is the only measure that correlates directly with reading scores. Simply having age-appropriate books at home can dramatically change the course of an otherwise disadvantaged child’s life.

But life without books is a reality for millions of children in America today. In low-income neighborhoods, studies show that there is just one book for every 300 children, compared to 13 books for every child in middle-income neighborhoods.

The need is great, but so is the opportunity to make a difference.

Since 1992, First Book has been placing brand-new books in the hands of children in need, profoundly affecting their lives. The First Book model was developed to leverage the work of local heroes who reach children through existing literacy programs in a variety of settings. Such as Head Start centers, libraries, soup kitchens, churches, housing projects, and after-school initiatives. After receiving books, First Book surveys verify that a child’s interest in reading more that doubles, and that in turn the child shares that passion with others in the family.

First Book has distributed 50 million books over the past 15 years, but that’s only a start. Random House is making a historic multiyear commitment to First Book because we believe that together we can have an even bigger impact.