Access at home. Student choice. Expertly curated.
Our Approach
We build home libraries full of engaging books that children are excited to read!
Nashville is home to several extraordinary literacy initiatives that support readership among elementary school students in the community. These admirable programs work hard to increase book access by both building home libraries and increasing library usage. What NBC aims to do is complement these programs by providing books that speak specifically to elementary student interest.
NBC will curate its book supply based on student and teacher requests—both specific titles and genres.
The team will rely on children’s literature experts to inform its list of titles.
Even more, books will be chosen based on expert reviews of diverse books, giving children opportunities to see themselves reflected in characters’ lives and experiences.
“When the only books children own are someone else’s discards and hand-me-downs, it can affect their self-esteem and their perception about books and reading.”
ACCESS AT HOME
Why it matters? The more books there are at home, the more opportunities there are for reading.
student choice
Why it matters? Supporting students’ agency to choose books they are excited to read increases their engagement with reading.
expertly curated
Why it matters? Curating engaging texts based on voices of students, teachers, librarians and other children’s literature experts gives children opportunities to see themselves reflected in characters’ lives and experiences.
What students are saying
Reading with family
I think the books are really good. Whenever I go home, me and my brothers read the [NBC] books. I sometimes read to my baby brothers so they can go to bed. They are 3 and 4 years old.
- MNPS 4th grader
Developing Reader Identity
I read them a lot and they make my brain grow.
- MNPS 2nd grader, from NBC Student Response Bookmark
Connecting with Student Readers
Reading the {reader-to-reader] notes makes me want to read the book.
- MNPS 2nd grader
Discovering Windows and Mirrors in Books
I think the books are really interesting… I feel like I’m in [the books], like actually doing the things.
- MNPS 4th grader