On National Read Across America Day, March 2, each of the 410 students at East End Community School received a book to take home, thanks to the generosity of Pam Leo of the Book Fairy Pantry Project and Islandport Press of Yarmouth.  

Leo, a family literacy activist and author, also read her book, "Please Read To Me" to all the preK, kindergarten, and grade 1 students at East End.

Leo has been a volunteer at East End working with kindergarten and grade 1 students. She has a mission to get books in the hands of children in Maine. She spoke to the students about the importance of reading books but also told them that oral storytelling is another form of listening to and reading stories. Learn more about her project at https://bookfairypantryproject.org/

"We want to say a big thank you to Pam for making sure every student at East End went home with a book this week to celebrate Read Across America," said Karen Fream, EECS literacy coach. "The copies of "Please Read To Me" books for the youngest students were made possible by a generous grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. Also, thank you to our staff who volunteered to read in classrooms!"
PHOTO: Author and family literacy activist Pam Leo (seated) talks to EECS students about reading on National Read Across America Day.