A Book of Their Own Can Open a World of Possibility

A child choosing a book is a simple moment with lasting potential. Since the Scripps Howard Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book …” initiative began here in Cincinnati in 2016, the program has grown to support nine under-served schools across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky—and nearly 100 schools nationwide. Over the past decade, more than 178,000 books have been distributed to local students, made possible by generous donors throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Each book represents more than a story: It is a chance for a child to build confidence, strengthen reading skills, and begin a lifelong relationship with learning. The local literacy need is urgent In underserved communities, having fewer books at home limits opportunities to practice reading beyond the classroom, increasing the risk that children will fall behind. Despite ongoing efforts to improve literacy, reading proficiency remains a critical need across Cincinnati Public Schools, with 71 percent of K–3 students