At the Congress Elementary School library, volunteer reader Alexis Rangel of Lake Michigan Credit Union delved into the magic of Caldecott Medalist’s Dan Santat newest book, “After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again.” She then gave the newly published, sumptuous hardback to every first-grade student.
The Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, the fundraising partner of Grand Rapids Public Schools, orchestrated the reading and free distribution of the book to all 1,750 first-graders at 27 GRPS elementary schools this week.
“‘After the Fall’ is a wonderful story about grit, getting back up and persevering when things aren’t going your way,” said Michele Suchovsky, executive director of the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation.
A retired first-grade teacher underwrites the “Good Things Happen to Readers” book giveaway, now in its fourth year. The books are purchased at a discount from Schuler Books & Music.
A bevy of volunteers — including retired teachers, business people, community leaders and parents – gave the equivalent of a warm hug by visiting every school to read and give away the book.
Congress Principal Erek Kooyman knows that reading a book to someone else is hugely important to enjoying the story. As if on cue, first-grader Brooklyn Riley confided in Kooyman: “I’m going to read this to my brother when I get home.”
CONNECT
Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation
