MARCH 26, 2026 (BOSTON, MA) – Boston has expanded its participation in the United States of Readers, a national literacy initiative from Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, with a special literacy event on Wednesday at the Guild School in East Boston. The Guild School is one of several Title I schools in Boston now benefiting from the program, which empowers Pre-K through 8th grade students to choose and own books that reflect their interests, cultures, and languages.
Over the course of the school year, Boston students participating in the United States of Readers program will choose ten new books to own and add to their home libraries, at no cost to their families. In addition, teachers at participating schools will each receive 25 books for their classroom libraries, expanding book choice and access for the entire school community. This year, the program will serve 10,000 students across Massachusetts, including 260 at the Guild School.
LITERACY EVENT
Scholastic Books at the Curtis Guild School
Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to fund the expansion of the United States of Readers, launching in 2024 across four districts: Quincy, Revere, Holyoke, and Framingham. Increased Commonwealth funding has allowed some of Boston’s Title I schools to join, furthering the program’s reach to schools that serve a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students.
Research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™ shows more than 90% of children say the books they choose themselves are their favorites, and they’re more likely to finish them. Over the course of the school year, United States of Readers students will select ten new books to keep, at no cost to families, with teachers receiving 25 new books for their classrooms to improve choice and access for the entire school community.
“We know that when a child discovers the right book, one that speaks to their interests, sparks their imagination, or reflects their own life, it can ignite a lifelong passion for reading,” said Judy Newman, Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer. “Through the United States of Readers, our mission is to ensure every young person has the opportunity to choose and own books that inspire and empower them, while strengthening both literacy skills and self-confidence. Expanding this program in Massachusetts and partnering with schools here in Boston means more students will experience the joy, pride, and personal connection that comes from building their own libraries with stories they truly love.
“It’s inspiring to see programs that directly put resources in the hands of our students,” said Senator Lydia Edwards. “The United States of Readers program is about more than books, it’s about making sure every child has the opportunity to read stories that excite them, reflect their lives, and expand their imagination. This initiative is making a lasting difference for students in our schools and building a stronger foundation for their future success.”
“The joy of reading opens doors to endless possibilities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re thrilled to welcome Scholastic’s United States of Readers program to our community, helping ensure our youngest learners have access to books they can truly connect with. As a BPS mom, I’m proud to see the collaboration between our schools, educators, and partners creating more opportunities for our students to learn and thrive in our city.”
“When we invest in literacy, we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Representative Adrian C. Madaro. “The United States of Readers program is opening doors for students across my district by giving them access to books they want to read and can connect with. This initiative builds confidence, inspires curiosity, and empowers young people to imagine and work toward bright futures. Every student, regardless of their zipcode, deserves that opportunity, and the United States of Readers is making it happen for so many in our community.”
“Programs like the United States of Readers show what can happen when we work together to give every child the tools to succeed,” said Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta. “By putting engaging books directly into students’ hands, we’re encouraging a lifelong love of reading and helping them see the world in new ways. This is about more than academics, it’s about building confidence, celebrating curiosity, and making sure every young person in East Boston has the chance to thrive.”
“Our mission is to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed, and strong literacy skills are the foundation of that success,” said Regional Superintendent Tommy Welch. “The United States of Readers program is making reading more accessible and engaging across multiple schools in our district. By placing high-quality, student-selected books into the hands of young learners, we’re helping to cultivate a love of reading that will serve them for a lifetime.”
