ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's Giving Tuesday and a nonprofit is working to raise money in order to provide books to children in need for free.
Reach Out and Read says it is aiming to raise $40,000 on Giving Tuesday to give 4,000 children across the country new books. Part of the nonprofit's mission is to "foster childhood development by encouraging parents to read aloud to their young children to promote healthy early relationships."
From now through Dec. 15, every $10 donated to Reach Out and Read for Giving Tuesday will provide a copy of the award-winning book "Jabari Tries" to kids in need during pediatric well-visits.
According to USA Reads, more than 60 percent of kids living in low-income households don't have books at home, leading to potential reading gaps and even illiteracy.
"Jabari Tries," written by Gia Cornwall, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Judy Newman Book Award from Scholastic. According to Reach Out and Read, the children's book "draws inspiration from Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) engineers, inventors, and scientists while portraying an endearing father-child dynamic."
"This book conveys a powerful message about self-confidence, courage, and the special bond between a father and son," Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read said. “‘Jabari Tries’ is the perfect avenue to make a profoundly positive impact on society this Giving Tuesday."
Showcasing and providing diverse stories and books to young children is at Reach Out and Read's core values, the nonprofit said in a release. It works to "ensure all children and families see themselves reflected in the books they provide through well-child visits."
For more information about Reach Out and Read, the Giving Tuesday initiative or to find local clinic partners, click here.