Book People Unite

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the country, has launched Book People Unite, a bold awareness campaign to focus a spotlight on children’s literacy nationwide.

From the press release:
Access to books continues to be one of the single most important factors in a student’s success, but far too many of America’s children do not have this most basic resource for learning.

There are 16 million children living in poverty in the United States, the highest number in two decades. Consider this:

• In low-income neighborhoods, there is only 1 book for every 300 children.
• By the time children from low-income families start kindergarten, they are a year behind their more affluent peers in literacy skills.
• Children who enter kindergarten behind their peers are three to four times more likely to drop out of school long-term.
• Only 32 percent of 4th graders read at a proficient level and 34 percent can’t even read at the most basic.
• Less than half of all families read to their kindergarteners every day.

“While many children are falling further and further behind, so are their chances for a successful future. It is clear we don’t just have an issue to solve, we have a movement to ignite,” said Carol Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. “One book can spark a lifetime of ambition and we are asking the nation to join us in building a literate America where all kids can explore, dream and achieve. Together, we can realize our vision of a literate America.”

Take the Book People Unite pledge.