This fellow has already read the entire Wimpy Kid series, so this book will head to his school's "free bookstore" later this week to be owned by a yet-to-be-determined student.
Once a week, students go to the bookstore at lunch recess to "buy" books using gold-colored book bucks. One buck buys one book, and it's also required to gain admittance to the store, leading one parent volunteer to dub them golden tickets (in a Gene Wilder, not Johnny Depp sense, I hope). The bucks are earned through academic work and school spirit goals that are achievable by all students.
Inside, an empty classroom has been filled with donated shelving that houses 2,000 to 3,000 books at any given time. In its first six months, we anticipate 1,500 books being earned. Inside each book cover is the stamped message, "Share this book."
The school is Title 1, meaning it has a high percentage of families living in poverty. The bookstore is made possible by the method of acquiring the books – purchased fanatically at garage sales and other used sources for 25 cents a piece for 4 to 8 hours a week. We rely on monetary donations to cover the purchases.
Doesn't the school have a library? Yes, but the bookstore offers differing advantages:
1. A broader variety of books, including pop culture subjects (kid's TV shows/movies), so even non-readers find books they can connect with in a big way. Mad Libs, blank journals, how-to-draw books, joke books... If it has pages in between a cover, it's good.
2. Students are self-directed in the bookstore. Choosing a book is very different from being given a book, or being directed to a book by a teacher or librarian who has academic influences in mind (no offense, I love our educators).
3. When you've walked through the room 5 times, holding 2 books in your hand, and struggle with which one you want more, you end up leaving that room owning your book both mentally and physically. There is pride in ownership.
Every week, I see students leave excited to read their book immediately at recess, running up to friends to show off his or her book, or sitting down with other new book owners to compare their prizes. Most of all, it's really cool to see students running from the cafeteria toward the bookstore, clutching their golden tickets in hand.
Now, regarding Diary of a Wimpy Kid… It is a title students ask for every week. Our supply was exhausted the first week we were open. The books don't show up in the used market very often, making this contest giveaway very special for a lucky student.
Thank you!
If anyone would like to make a donation (tax deductible in the US), a sum as little as $10 puts books into the hands of 40 students. Donations can be made via this PayPal link to our parent-teacher group. If you'd like a tax receipt, please mention it in the comment box that comes up during the donation process and I'll send it via snail mail. Gently used children's books are also gladly accepted.
Thanks again!
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