The Magic of Books: How ONE Backpack Can Transform a Summer
Beth Duda, director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
At the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR), our mission to support every child’s potential spans many crucial areas—school readiness, attendance, summer learning, family engagement, and health determinants. While these overarching goals guide our work, sometimes it’s an individual initiative that reminds us of the importance of our efforts.
One such initiative is our very own THIS BOOK IS COOL! (TBIC). During the summer of 2024, we had the pleasure of seeing over 4,100 children participate in this program, each receiving a backpack filled with 20 high-quality books, an engaging activity guide, and access to YouTube episodes designed to excite and inspire young readers.
We can often get wrapped up in the logistics of delivering this program to thousands of children, but it’s essential for us to focus on the impact it has on each individual child. And the stories we hear from our community reinforce just how powerful this initiative is.
One parent shared, “The best gift is watching my children open their backpacks at the beginning of summer. By August, every Thursday is Book Night, and the whole family props our feet up and dives into the books together.” It’s amazing to see how this simple act of giving can become a beloved family tradition.
Our educators are enthusiastic. One teacher mentioned that anything with The Patterson Foundation’s name is bound to be fantastic. Another teacher highlighted the high value and positivity surrounding TBIC, encouraging others to take advantage of the opportunity.
Parents’ stories warm our hearts. One said, “When my son first got the backpack of books, he said, “I’m so happy I could cry!” Another shared, “My 11-year-old son went through the entire program, and now my little one gets to experience it too. I’m thrilled to see how this helps foster a love for reading.”
The impact of TBIC is evident in the feedback we receive. One parent noted, “My son spent all evening reading, which was a first for him. It’s incredible to see how much he’s engaged.” Another expressed gratitude, saying, “I could never afford these wonderful new books, but now my little boy has stories to cherish forever.”
These testimonials remind us that programs like TBIC! provide more than just books; they offer moments of connection, growth, and joy that can last a lifetime. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift our community, one book—and one child—at a time.
