Editor’s Note: THIS BOOK IS COOL! in School is a literacy initiative by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) designed to inspire a love of reading among students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. It builds on the success of SCGLR’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! summer reading program and adapts it for use during the school year.
The program provides books and engaging activities that align with grade-level standards to support classroom learning while fostering joy and curiosity around reading. By working directly with teachers and schools, THIS BOOK IS COOL! in School helps students build foundational reading skills, which are critical for their long-term academic success. Like other SCGLR initiatives, it emphasizes collaboration with families, educators, and community organizations to ensure children can read proficiently by the end of third grade.
There’s something magical about the moment a child discovers a love for reading. The THIS BOOK IS COOL! in School program is spreading that magic far and wide. With over 600 classrooms from 70 schools signed up and more than 11,250 students participating since August, this program is making a huge impact in nurturing young readers and building home libraries one book at a time.
Imagine the excitement on a child’s face when they receive a book to take home. One teacher shared, “The students loved getting a book to take home. ‘Is this mine?’ ‘Can I take it home?‘ These are words I heard often when handing out the books.“ For many of these children, it’s not just about reading; it’s about having a book that belongs to them. These books become treasures, sparking curiosity and imagination.
The program isn’t just about handing out books—it’s an experience. Students explore carefully selected books through lesson plans, creative activities, and classroom discussions. Each book is thoughtfully chosen to inspire and engage, and the activities help students connect with the story in a personal way. The goal? To make reading not just cool, but something kids look forward to.
The magic of THIS BOOK IS COOL! in School doesn’t stop in the classroom. Families are thrilled to receive these books, often joining in the fun by reading together. As one teacher noted, “The families enjoy receiving these books to add to their library.“ It’s more than just a book—it’s a connection point for children and their families, creating shared experiences that will last a lifetime.
With such incredible participation numbers, the program is creating a ripple effect of positivity. From reluctant readers discovering stories they can’t put down, to classrooms celebrating books as a shared adventure, THIS BOOK IS COOL! in School is transforming the way students view reading. Teachers, students, and families alike are coming together around the simple yet powerful idea that books open doors to new worlds. Whether it’s a child’s first book or the newest addition to a growing collection, the impact is clear: reading is cool, and everyone is invited to the party.
