How books help break the cycle of poverty

Arts & Culture, Books

Reading at school is expected, but reading at home is vital.Decades of research show when children lack access to books, they spend far less time reading, resulting in lower proficiency.”The power of having any home library is really incredibly positive,” said Alison Angell, vice president of partnerships for Scholastic. She said access to books outside the classroom is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.”When kids don’t have access to reading materials at home, they’re more likely to suffer learning losses when they’re out of school,” she said, “because when they’re out of school, they aren’t reading as much.”Children not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Children in poverty fare worse — being 13 times less likely to graduate.”Yes, we do read here at school, but beyond that, reading at home increases the students’ vocabulary,” said elementary school principal Dr. LaKisha Wright. “It strengthens their comprehension. It’s just an extension of what we’re already doing.”RELATED STORY | Why we’re asking you to ‘Give a Child a Book’Wright, who serves as principal of Dunbar Elementary in Atlanta, said a home library helps to make reading a part of a child’s daily life.”If we can find them a book, the spark, the curiosity — then there’s no stopping those students at home reading to their families and to their friends,” Wright said.The “If You Give a Child a Book…” campaign, in partnership with Scholastic, distributes books to students from lower-income neighborhoods with a focus on the critical kindergarten through third grade years.”That’s when our students are transitioning,” Wright said. “The lower grades, they’re learning to read. But by the time they get to third grade, they’re reading to learn.”So, if you give a child a book…”You give them the keys to unlock a whole new world,” Angell said.You can help ensure that even more students get free books to take home and call their own. You can donate now to the Scripps Howard Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book…” campaign. A $12 donation provides two books for a child at one of our partner schools.RELATED STORY | Children at these schools have less access to books outside the classroom

From Pune to legal tech trailblazer: The unconventional journey of Rongfei

Technology

From Pune to legal tech trailblazer: The unconventional journey of Rongfei Rongfei’s life and career are anything but usual. Born in China and having lived across four continents, his journey has been shaped by diverse experiences and bold choices. Today, he works at the intersection of entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), and law, using technology to improve legal access for underserved communities. As the founder of the non-profit

Baltimore City Is Investing in Wetlands Restoration For Climate Resiliency and Adaptation. Scientists Warn About Unintended Consequences

Science and Health

Brad Rogers and Brett Berkley stepped carefully on the gravel sill along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in South Baltimore, which when covered with sandy fill will serve as the bed for 11 acres of newly constructed wetlands.

Rogers, executive director of the nonprofit South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, has a big role in overseeing the $200 million redevelopment of 19 neighborhoods along one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most neglected shorelines. He aims to double that investment in the next five years.

He’s a bricks-and-mortar guy by trade, but wetlands, he said, are “the first line of defense” to protect those redeveloped neighborhoods against storm surge, and climate change. 

Berkley, his environmental consultant, peered out as if he could see the future. “A successful restoration will depend on the construction of the sill, planting of native vegetation, and creating a gradual elevation change to support a diverse salt marsh ecosystem,” he said on a late summer afternoon. 

Explore the latest news about what’s at stake for the climate during this election season.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Roars Back to Johor Bahru

Arts & Culture, Books

World’s Biggest Book Sale Returns with Unbeatable Prices, Exciting Promotions, and Fun Contest from 26 September to 7 October 2024 at Sutera MallJOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2024 – Big Bad Wolf (BBW) announces its return to Johor with the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Johor 2024. Known for offering an extensive range of books at incredible discounts, BBW Johor 2024 is set to be the ultimate haven for book lovers. Running from 26 September to 7 October 2024, the sale will take place at Sutera Mall, Level 3, and will be open from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily. Big Bad Wolf Books has established itself as a cultural phenomenon with its mission to promote reading and increase literacy by providing affordable access to books. Visitors to BBW Johor 2024 can expect an unparalleled selection of books across all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more, at prices no book lover can resist. Exclusive Promotions Big Bad Wolf Johor 2024 brings a range of exciting offers to delight shoppers: Unbelievable Titles: Special book titles will be made available exclusively to members, while stocks last. RM10 Rebate for Returning Customers: Shoppers will receive RM10 off their next purchase with RM80 or more in a single receipt. Learning Institution Discounts: Schools, colleges, universities, kindergartens, and libraries can enjoy discounts of 5% on purchases of RM600 and 10% on purchases of RM6,000. All promotions are valid for registered Big Bad Wolf Books members, and registration can be completed via the https://bbwmembership-my.com/#/ On-Ground Contest – The Great Wolf Hunt In addition to the great deals, BBW Johor 2024 will feature a fun contest to get the community involved. Visitors to the book fair are invited to hunt for hidden Wolf stickers around the sale area and tag @bigbadwolfbooks with the hashtag #BBWJohor2024. Spend RM120 in a single receipt and show proof of purchase to claim a BBW button badge and cash voucher at the customer service counter. Become a Big Bad Wolf Member Book lovers are encouraged to join the BBW membership program for special offers and discounts throughout the sale. Signing up is simple – just scan the QR code or visit the membership website https://bbwmembership-my.com/#/ to enjoy exclusive privileges. Hashtag: #BBWJohor2024https://bigbadwolfbooks.comhttps://www.facebook.com/bbwbookshttps://www.instagram.com/bigbadwolfbooks/About Big Bad Wolf BooksBig Bad Wolf Books is the brainchild of BookXcess founders, Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng. Since its inception, BBW has grown into a global book sale phenomenon, making affordable books accessible to people from all walks of life. The mission of Big Bad Wolf Books is clear – to spread the love of reading and create a new generation of readers.