FALL RIVER — Impact Reading has expanded its United States of Readers literacy initiative in Massachusetts, marked by a special literacy event at James Tansey Elementary School in Fall River on Monday.
According to a release, the Tansey School is one of several Title I schools in Massachusetts now benefiting from the program, which empowers students in pre-K through eighth grade to choose 10 brand-new books to own and add to their home libraries at no cost to their families. In addition, teachers at participating schools each receive 25 books for their classroom libraries, expanding book choice and access for the entire school community. This year, the program will serve 10,000 students across Massachusetts, including nearly 300 at the Tansey School.
Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to fund the expansion of the United States of Readers, launching in 2024 across four districts: Quincy, Revere, Holyoke, and Framingham. Increased Commonwealth funding has allowed one of Fall River’s Title I schools to join, furthering the program’s reach to schools that serve a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students.
Delivered by Scholastic in collaboration with Impact Reading, the United States of Readers program aims to bridge the gap in literacy and book inequity, especially in Title I schools and rural areas where students have little to no opportunity to choose their own books and build home libraries. Research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report shows more than 90% of children say their favorite books, and the ones they’re most likely to finish, are the books they choose themselves.
Popular local author Jerry Pallotta made a presentation at the event. He is an award-winning author of children’s alphabet books and imaginative fiction, including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book; The Construction Alphabet Book; Who Will Be My Valentine This Year?, and Apple Fractions.
“Empowering our young people starts with giving them the tools to succeed, and book ownership is a cornerstone of early academic success,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues. “Bringing the United States of Readers program to Tansey Elementary School delivers a pride of ownership directly to Fall River students. True educational equity means making sure no student is left behind, and I’m proud to support state partnerships that invest directly in our children, nurture a love of reading, and build a brighter future for our entire community.”
“Opening up a book you chose for yourself opens up a world of possibilities,” said State Representative Carole A. Fiola. “The expansion of the United States of Readers program is a huge win for Fall River families. Putting high-quality books directly into the hands of our students at no cost is such a powerful way to uplift our youth and strengthen the future of our entire community.”
“Having Impact Reading come in here to give you all 10 books, give your teachers 25 books, is so, so important,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “As long as you carve out a little bit of time every day to sit on your couch, sit on your picnic table, read for 20–25 minutes a day, you will be successful in school, you will be successful in life, and it’ll be so beneficial to all of you.”
“Providing our students with the tools they need to succeed begins with building a strong foundation in reading,” said Dr. Kathleen Smith, Interim Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools. “This partnership with the United States of Readers program gives students the opportunity to choose and own books that reflect their personal interests. Hosting author Jerry Pallotta brings those stories to life, inspiring our children to explore new ideas and develop a genuine, lasting enthusiasm for learning.”
“Every child deserves the chance to discover books they truly love,” said Judy Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Impact Reading. “When children choose the books they want to read and get to keep those books as their own, we’re helping them build not only home libraries, but a lasting connection to reading. We’re so excited to welcome Fall River students to the United States of Readers.”
