The excitement in the room was palpable, with radiant eyes and excited smiles lighting up the faces of Mrs. Shakur’s first-grade class at Stephanie Tubbs Jones School in Cleveland. The Scholastic Book Fair had arrived, and the children couldn’t wait to dive into their new treasures.
Six-year-old Zariyah Edwards stole the spotlight as she read aloud from a book about an old lady who devoured everything in sight. Her classmates gathered around, listening intently and cheering her on whenever she stumbled over a tricky word.It was a moment of pure joy and shared learning.
This event marked the first of two free Scholastic Book Fairs held at the school, made possible by the generous contributions of donors. Each summer, the “If You Give a Child a Book” campaign, supported by the Scripps Howard Fund, the Scripps family, and community members, raises funds to provide books to students in need. The most recent campaign brought in nearly $44,000, benefiting Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Wade Park Schools.
Linda Simon, the community college career coordinator at Stephanie Tubbs Jones, expressed her gratitude. “First off, thank them,” she said. “Very grateful.” For the past four years, this initiative has grown, allowing 250 students from PreK through eighth grade to select five free books during the fall and an additional six in the spring.
Simon highlighted the long-term impact of these donations. “I think that they can see the fruits of their donation paying off,” she remarked. “I get to find out, ‘What do you want to do beyond stephanie Tubbs Jones,’ and that’s just everything to me.”
The power of reading was on full display as students shared their aspirations. Xhania Holt, who dreams of becoming a doctor or a policewoman, explained how reading fuels her ambition.”I like reading all sorts of books,” she said. “Then, I can start reading more, and when I get books that are really hard, I can sound them out and start reading them too.”
Chanci Wright summed it up perfectly: “It’s a fun thing to do. And then, when you read, you can sound out more stuff that you don’t know.” Third-grader Shatia Finch added her viewpoint, saying, “It gives me peace and quiet,” with a smile.
The book fair isn’t just about handing out books; it’s about fostering a love for reading and building confidence. As students grow, they tackle more challenging texts, support one another, and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.The $563 cost of Mrs. Shakur’s class visit was covered entirely,ensuring that every child could take home their chosen books without hesitation.
This initiative is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the future. It’s about nurturing young minds, empowering dreams, and creating a community that values literacy. The hope and promise etched on the students’ faces tell a story of endless possibilities, one book at a time.
