Reading is Fundamental

Exploring Scholastic's Impact on Literacy and Book Access In this episode of End Book Deserts, the podcast discusses book access and literacy culture with Judy Newman, the Chief Impact Officer of Scholastic. Newman shares how Scholastic, a member of the National Book Access Association, is advancing the work of organizations that distribute books and promoting reading for pleasure among children. She touches upon the company's multiple initiatives, such as partnering with organizations like Comic Kids and Reach Out and Read, philanthropic projects, and exciting employee engagements. The discussion also highlights the role of teachers in building literacy, the impact of COVID-19 on their work, and the importance of a community in ending book deserts. Key Points: 00:00 Introduction to End Book Deserts 00:32 Exploring Scholastic's Impact on Literacy 01:19 Scholastic's Role in Building Literacy Communities 03:26 The Power of Comics in Literacy 04:34 Scholastic's Efforts to Encourage Young Writers 05:39 Impact of COVID on Scholastic's Work 07:24 Scholastic Employees' Contribution to Literacy Culture 10:14 Upcoming Initiatives and Partnerships at Scholastic 11:53 The Power of Story: The Story of Ruby Bridges 15:31 The Importance of Reading for Pleasure 17:28 Conclusion and Invitation for Future Discussion 17:48 End Book Deserts: Final Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of the End Book Deserts Podcast, Dr. Molly Ness interviews authors Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, who share their experiences and adventures during a year-long road trip to visit Title I schools in all 50 states. They discuss their mission to provide free books to under-resourced areas, the impact of their visits on students, and the research conducted during the trip. They also reveal their plans for the future, including online virtual school visits. Tune in to learn more about their inspiring journey and the importance of book access in under-resourced communities.

We kick off the new season with New York's Meet the Writers! Meet the Writers has reached more than 45,000 students citywide and distributed 25,000 books signed by visiting authors. Their collaboration with schools helps to create a culture of literacy and reading.

We revisit the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation working to end book deserts in Tennessee, with support from Scholastic.

Find out how the state of Florida is earmarking funds in recent legislation to #endbookdeserts.

I love when many people come to the table to bring books to kids. That's why we are excited to create this episode with Kathleen Ryan Mufson and Pitney Bowes. 

We're thrilled today to be joined by Jonathan Hamilton who is the executive director of the Drag Story Hour!

Join Carolyn Lyons and Kyle Zimmer to understand this new coalition advocating for literacy equity!

Find out how this financial firm commits to literacy.

Find out how Dollar General Literacy Foundation commits to the work to #endbookdeserts