The Right Book

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” -Maya Angelou

Dear Readers,

My name is Samuel Pearce, and I teach English to sixty-seven amazing eighth graders at a public school in Bushwick.

 
Far too many New York City students do not have adequate access to great books, and I am just one of many teachers who spend a significant part of their income on materials. I am fortunate to have received publicity, through my work in fashion (as Sam Worthen), and I am hoping to convert it into books for my kids.

Reading fluently is the most powerful tool for lifetime success. My students have to read 20 minutes and reflect in 20 lines of writing every night. While some have books at home, most rely on our classroom library.

Reluctant readers need the right book. So far, I have seen four transform into hour-a-night readers through discovering Harry Potter and Oscar Wao. I know my students’ interests, reading levels, and what books each has liked and disliked. When they trade me finished books for new ones, I ask them to describe the book they want to read next. Then I search the web, Barnes & Noble, my brain, and other teachers’ to find and buy the closest match.

I have increased our library from 92 titles to 210. However, using only my income, I cannot keep all of my students reading books that keep them inspired to read.

We need your help!

Every $15 dollar donation buys a book.
67 students x 3 books each x $15 = $3,015
So, I have set $3,000 as our goal.

In addition to independent reading books, this campaign will fund classroom sets, which allow us to study one novel as a class. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we now have 28 copies of Of Mice and Men. Having 28 allows every student to read during class. If we raise enough to buy 67 copies, every student will be able to read the book for homework, and annotate in pencil.

If you have any questions, please contact me through this website, and I will reply as soon as possible.

All donors will recieve a thank you note from one of my students, starting Monday, when we get back to school.

Sincerely,  
Mr. Pearce