Thank you for the books you gave me. Now I have more books to read during the pandemic. Thank you.

Bryan

2nd Grader

Since my students got books from [the Children’s Book Project], something is happening I’ve never seen before. They’re so excited about the books—we’re on Zoom and they share what they’re reading and talk about their favorite series with one another. I just sit back and say, “Wow.” Some of these kids have lost mom or dad to COVID. One girl said that when she’s reading, she can go somewhere else in her mind. Thank you.

Abel V.

Teacher, Martin Luther King Middle School, Madera

We love all the books you gave us. Everyone enjoys the books in our class. Thank you for all the books!

Tima

Third Grader

We thank you for your book program. We were able to collect 663 books to give to 44 students. They will read these books to their children. These gifts have encouraged and supported teen parents to become the best parents they can become.

Teen Parent Program

Merced Union High School District (Title 1)

Thank you again for the massive start to my first classroom library. This is the most amazing place I have ever seen. It is better than Disneyland! I would never be able to start the school year with such an amazing collection of books for my new classroom without this program. My students and I will be forever grateful.

Summer K.A.

5th Grade Teacher, George W. Bush Elementary (Title 1), Stockton

Thank you so very much for the books, and for caring so greatly for our impoverished students. I just wanted you to know how much our school values the work that you and your volunteers do. The free books that we got will make it home with students to keep and use as an important resource. Many of our students don’t have a book at home just for them, and now they will. Thanks to you, each needy student will now have a book in their possession which will help cultivate a lifelong love of reading.

 With great gratitude from the bottom of my heart,

Jamie O.

Library Tech, Florin Elementary (Title 1), Sacramento

Today I was working with almost 5 year old girl. Her mother mentioned that she did not have any books at home. It felt wonderful to be able to give her several books for her to read to her child. This particular family is part of an underserved community and it felt great to be able to give her something that is critical for her child’s academic development. I have been going to the Children’s Book Project for almost 5 years. Without your support I wouldn’t have been able to give my students quality books all of these years. Thank you so much!!

Carla O.

Teacher, Zaida T. Rodriguez Early Education School, SFUSD

The Children’s Book Project has been a game changer. It has allowed me to provide books as prizes for reading achievements to kids for whom ownership of their own reading materials is a rare privilege. It is such a motivation for them to read more! Thank you!
Samantha S.

Teacher, New School of San Francisco

We have visited the Children’s Book Project and received books for students at both of the schools I lead. Since the population of both schools is predominantly English Language/Dual Language learners, it is important for these children to have books available to them at home. Research shows the more frequently a child opens a book, the better reader the child becomes—and ultimately if the child is a better reader by 3rd grade, he/she will be more likely to graduate from college. So I thank you for helping our 3-6 year olds get ready for a college career!
Jane M.

Zaida T. Rodriguez & Junipero Serra Early Education Schools, SFUSD

The Children’s Book Project is one of the most wonderful organizations I have ever experienced. Imagine, being a teacher and needing books for Reader’s Workshop, guided reading, thematic teaching units and take home books to send for children to read at home. The Children’s Book Project has shelves and shelves and boxes of books of every kind for schools and children, all organized by age and interest. They serve any child and teacher who needs books. What a wonderful idea and how fantastic that it is right here in San Francisco! I love the Children’s Book Project. It’s really an amazing group of people who love books like I do and want children to experience them.
Nancy H.

Teacher, Alvarado Elementary School, SFUSD

The Children’s Book Project allowed me to establish a classroom library that students were excited to go find books in. Without the Children’s Book Project, I wouldn’t have many high interest books, if any!
Grace C.

Teacher, AP Giannini Middle School, SFUSD

I have been enjoying my trip to the Children’s Book Project most every month for many years. I am thankful for all the wonderful children’s books with many choices. It’s been helping me in my Pre-K classroom as well as giving out to the many students who don’t have many opportunities to take trip to the local libraries. Children are excited and parents are grateful. Thank you very much!
Lisa F.

San Francisco Unified School District

There’s a variety of books of different genres. For a first year teacher, it really helps to start off a classroom library and to get recommendations from the staff.
James

John Yehall Chin Elementary School, San Francisco Unified School District

Very organized and staff is very helpful. They help find specific books for our class.
Matthew N.

Longfellow Elementary School, San Francisco Unified School District

Leveled readers: new addition! Thanks for the new teacher-friendly K-2 section.
Endora L.

San Francisco Unified School District

The Children’s Book Project has a great selection of books for children of all ages. They always seem to have a diverse collection of genres, including items in many different languages. My students enjoy reading them and I’m glad everything here is the “right” price! Thank you!
G.F.

Mt. Diablo Unified School DIstrict

The Children’s Book Project has been instrumental in supporting the reading proficiency of students…, many of whom do not otherwise own books to read.
Lisa F.

Thank you so much to the Children’s Book Project for helping us provide books to families who do not have access to them. By doing so, you are encouraging children…to begin their own beautiful, enlightening, and transformative relationship with literature.
Eden T.

Wu Yee Children's Services

The Children’s Book Project has been such an amazing resource for me and for so many students at our school. My students have access to reading because of the Children’s Book Project that would not have been possible otherwise. Thank you, Children’s Book Project!
Melissa T-S.

Teacher

I am starting my own library for a classroom and…was looking for books that kids could be excited about to bring home. While I was searching around I found [a book with an unusual name in the title]. Having a student [with that name]…, I thought he would appreciate seeing his name in print. When I gave him the book he was speechless. He said thank you and sat down and we began our class. At the end of class and after all the students left, he came up and told me that I was the best teacher ever and that he loved me and gave me a hug. I told him that he was an amazing reader and I was excited to see his name and give him the book. He took three steps out of the classroom and came right back in for a second I love you and hug. You know sometimes these kids can be pretty tough, but the reward is that much sweeter! The words thank you don’t even express the gratitude I feel. That moment will be one that stays with me forever. Thank you, Children’s Book Project for providing these FREE books for teachers to inspire children everywhere to just keep going! On a side note…the staff is so helpful, happy, and a delight to talk with. I enjoyed every moment.
Megan H.

Teacher

My kids LOVE having options when they are reading. As a second year teacher, I have felt blessed to be able to offer so many treasured books to my students without breaking my bank. The staff and volunteers at the Children’s Book Project keep me coming back. They are always so friendly and helpful finding whatever books will work in my classroom. I want to instill the love of reading in all of my students and this wonderful organization has really helped me do that! When I told my kids I spent my weekend going to get them more books they squealed with joy and gave me the biggest hug. Being able to put books into kids hands is the biggest blessing to have as a teacher. Thank you, Children’s Book Project!!!
Alyssa C.

Teacher

As a teacher in the Bay Area, I could not afford to invest in a classroom library, yet I knew that an availability of a variety of books was critical to support  my students’ reading. The Children’s Book Project has allowed me to create a classroom library that includes multiple levels and genres. Schools simply do not have money to support classroom libraries and our school library is very limited. Students need access to a variety of books in order to be successful. Thank you, Children’s Book Project!
Carrie C.

Teacher

We held a book Give-a-Way to celebrate National Summer Learning Day. Overall, we gave away 150 books to our youth in hope that our members will take a love for reading home to their families. A special thanks to the Children’s Book Project of SF who provided us with all of our books for the give-a-way!
Omar M.

Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, Mission Clubhouse

This is my second visit to the site. Thank you for providing a wonderful opportunity for me and fellow teachers to put engaging  books in our student’s hands. Honestly, without you, my kids would have few books to read. Much appreciation from myself, the kids, and their families! Short Story: I offered students a candy or a book for a job well done. Kids chose the books!
Wendy P.

Teacher

Dear Children’s Book Project,

Keep going strong. I believe in you! Thank you for the books!

Gwen

Third Grader

Thank you for bringing smiles to so many children throughout 2020, which as we know has been one of the most challenging years for us all. Your work, passion, and commitment to early literacy in communities all across San Francisco has made a huge difference and has brought light in these dark times. Mil gracias on behalf of all the families I’ve worked with who’ve received books from you.

Dannhae H.

Mission Promise Neighborhood/MEDA

Thank you for giving me new books to read! I love having new books to take home.

Erika

7th Grader

Dear Children’s Book Project,

My name is Luis. I am a student at Freedom Elementary. I visit the small library in front of my school every day. Thank you for donating books to our library! My favorite time to read is night. Thank you again for the books. They have made my life sweet.

Luis

Student

The Children’s Book Project supplies us with high quality, diverse, enjoyable children’s books which our inter-faith volunteers bring into the SF and San Bruno jails with recording devices. The incarcerated parents choose books to send to their children, grandchildren or siblings. We then record them reading the books and mail the books and recordings to the children. We send love through the mail. Thank you.

 

Gabriela S.

Stories from Mom & Dad, Grace Cathedral Jail Ministry

I am beyond grateful for how the Children’s Book Project has expanded my classroom library the last 2.5 years. My students’ attitude towards reading went from reluctant to intrinsically motivated; reading has captured their hearts because of the outpouring of books that I bring back to the class. I even had students this year email me (when they were working independently in their homeroom class), “Mrs. W., I love reading!” and “I used to not like to read, but I do now.” My student are hooked on books—finding their favorite author (which naturally leads to more reading), discovering genres they like and some that they’ve never explored. I’m always having to buy more book bins because my library keeps expanding—a good problem to have!

Lara W.

Reading Intervention Teacher, Neil Hafley Elementary (Title 1), Manteca

We are extremely fortunate to have partnered with the Children’s Book Project, a nonprofit that promotes early literacy and donates books to social services agencies and educators who work with low-income families throughout [Northern California]. Just today I ran into a mom of three children who said that every day the children take at least three books home from Felton’s Free Library and that they are excited to be building their own library space at home. Their story made my morning =)
Thank you so much!!!
Dannhae H.

Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program/Felton Institute, San Francisco

Thank you for all the wonderful books and lovely advice. It’s a wonderful way to start the school year. Your organization is inspiring!

Andrew P.

Teacher, Flynn Elementary (Title 1), SFUSD

I’m a preschool teacher who is very grateful for the Children’s Book Project. For over 20 years as a teacher, I’ve used the books in a number of schools. Books are always needed and the places I’ve worked in have been immeasurably enriched by the variety and quality of the books from the Children’s Book Project. I cannot thank the Children’s Book Project enough because I depend on having quality books to read to the children and the children love these books. Please keep going for all the children who love your books, and the teachers who love reading them.
Janet F.

Preschool Teacher, San Mateo County

I’ve been giving out books [from CBP’s Read Aloud Coalition] for 11 years. These donated books make a HUGE impact on the families  I serve. I work with Spanish-speaking families that most of the time do not have the resources to have many books at home, and many times they don’t have even one book.  [During one] home assessment, I asked a 2 1/2 year old to point at the picture of a horse in a book…his mother said,  “He has never seen a horse in real life or in books; he only has one book of cars we got from a clinic, but he doesn’t have a book of animals.” This example is to point out how some families do not have the resources to buy books for their children.

I feel so happy when I can leave 1, 2 or 3 books at a house; many times I leave books for each child in the family. I also keep books in my office when I have families come in to see me.  The children are always really happy to get a book from me, and the parents also always express gratitude. Again, thank you for your great Read Aloud program.

Marjorie A.

Golden Gate Regional Center

I work with teachers across the curriculum. This makes me aware of their classroom needs, so I gather books from the Children’s Book Project for classroom libraries and curriculum projects, as well as class literature sets.  Additionally, I support the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) by gathering materials for their book giveaways at meetings and at Black Family Day. The Children’s Book Project supports and fills in the gaps. Thank you!
Nancy C.

Teacher Librarian, Francisco Middle School, SFUSD

I just wanted to say thank you again for all the help and support! As soon as we got back to site, we had students excited to help carry books and were already asking to check out books. We even had some more students sign up for our Book Club, which is amazing! Thank you so much for helping us build our library and getting our kids excited to read! They actually grabbed the two books you recommended! I look forward to working with the Children’s Book Project again in the future!
Brigitte V.

Americorps VIP Volunteer Leader, ACE Calistoga

I teach Special Education at Marina Middle School. This has been a great resource for new teachers like me, finding picture books and science books to inspire my students.
Andrew T.

San Francisco Unified School District

Thank you so much. You gave my classroom a 24 book set of 4th grade books, and another 85 readers to help supplement our modest resources for their research projects. We are an under-resourced Title 1 school, and really appreciate your generosity. We hope you can stay in your current location and continue your incredibly important service for our appreciative students and families!
Holly H.

What a wonderful organization for teachers to fill their classroom libraries with high demand books for all students to access. Being able to pick out books for each student and not have to worry about the cost is empowering. Happy 25th Anniversary, Children’s Book Project!
Mary May C.

San Francisco Unified School District

I teach 4th grade in Daly City. Our community is rich in culture, but we struggle to provide our students with strong reading material. Your program has allowed me to help grow a love of reading in my classroom!
Anonymous

The Children’s Book Project is AMAZING! It is a wonderful place full of treasures and very helpful for a new teacher!
Zaira

4th Grade Teacher

My first time here and I’m thrilled to get wonderful books that are absolutely free of charge! Thank you so much for what you do! I couldn’t ask for more!!!
Marina F.

Kindergarten Teacher

As a teacher at a new public school in SF, I am constantly looking for more books for my students. I appreciate the variety of books, from chapter books to nonfiction sets to picture books to early readers. I love the Children’s Book Project and come back often!
Kelley E.

Teacher, San Francisco Unified School District

I love the Children’s Book Project! Without you, I and many teachers I know would not have libraries for our classrooms. Because of all the books, I will be able to better teach my students and show them how wonderful books are!
Cortney M.

Teacher

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary! You are providing a great resource to so many in need. Graçias!
Buen Dia Family School

The Children’s Book Project helped us fill teacher’s book shelves for 550 students. This will fuel our school-wide Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program and help us promote literacy in an urban area where kids don’t have access to literature. Also, the Children’s Book Project staff and volunteers were very friendly, organized, and helpful.
Brett R., Adam H., and Kelly W.

Oakland Charter HS

Thank you so much! I picked up 125 books and put them out for the students to select a book to ensure that they have enough to read for the Redding Elementary Read-A-Thon and all the books were scooped up quickly.
Derald C.

Teacher, San Francisco Unified School District

The Children’s Book Project has helped my kindergarten students love reading books and appreciate the love of learning. Thank you very much!
Julie B.

Teacher, San Francisco Unified School District

This is, hands down, one of the best teacher resources in the entire Bay Area. The books I’ve gotten from the Children’s Book Project have made an amazing difference in the reading lives of my students. With the hundreds (!) of books I’ve gotten, I have been able to create a classroom where my students are literally surrounded by books. Thank you!
Bill E.

Teacher, Berkeley Unified School District

Our future relies on the education of our children. Thank you, Children’s Book Project, for uniting local community leaders that are committed to promoting literacy amongst our youth.

Brianna L.

Field Nurse, SF Department of Public Health

The Children’s Book Project is essential to my reading program, allowing me to establish a great set of leveled books for small group reading instruction AND to present two books per week to my students to add to their home libraries—over 400 books distributed this year! I have Kindergarten students reading at a second grade level and recent immigrants reading at grade level. The Children’s Book Project is an important part of Bay Area education. Thank you!
Mark M.

Kindergarten Teacher, Oakland Unified School District