4-H Delivers

“My Own Book”: Instilling the Joy of Reading

The Issue

Low-income families have many demands on their budget, leaving them with little money to purchase books for their children. On average, low-income families have only two books for each elementary school-age child. Without previous exposure to books, older children loose interest in reading.  Instilling the joy of reading in younger children is key, but it remains a challenge when access to books is limited.

What has 4-H Done?

“My Own Book,” a non-profit organization created by 4-H members Kyle and Brady, was designed to meet the literary needs of low-income families in Solano County. The organization collects books through donations, grants, book drives, and publishers. They then present the books, along with personalized name plates to symbolize true ownership, to needy children in kindergarten through third grade.

Kyle and Brady have made countless classroom visits with their organization. “My Own Book” also recruits local community members, such as law enforcement officers and fire fighters, read to the children. During each presentation, the readers also give the children information about local libraries so the enjoyment of reading can continue.

The Payoff

Reading is an essential part of learning.  By mastering reading, children increase their learning ability and self confidence.  “My Own Book” teaches children that reading is an important life skill and shows them that reading can be fun. The classroom visits of “My Own Book” provide an example of experiential learning because students are able to experience the act of reading from the storyteller’s voice, expressions, and hand gestures. “My Own Book” completes the circle of children helping children. Kyle and Brady's organization has given away 30,000 books, and it continues to grow. For more information on “My Own Book,” visit: www.myownbook.net.

Author: Claire Connolly, State 4-H Office Student Assistant