My Own Books

What We Do

My Own Books raises charitable donations to provide personal home libraries to children in need. This simple investment in the lives of disadvantaged youth has the potential for dramatic societal change. Two-thirds of children who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade struggle as adults in comparison to competent readers.

Why We Do This

Having books in the home and being read to are the two most important indicators of academic success. Children in poverty lack access to books.  Nearly two-thirds of low income families do not have a single children’s book in the house. 

How We Do This

Our team conducts extensive research by interviewing literacy experts and educators to determine the best reading material for children in three different grade levels: kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Best-seller lists are also considered to ensure that the books will be treasured by the children. 

We then use pre-established relationships with book stores and publishers to secure discounts on quality children’s books that have been specifically selected to instill a love of reading and improve reading skills. 

These books are placed in tote bags that identify each recipient as a member of an exclusive book club to aid with buy-in through community and ownership.

Books are delivered to classrooms in our neediest neighborhoods throughout the year for children to take home with the gracious support of Hillsborough County Schools.

Our Ideas are Science-Based

New research has shown that early access to books and reading is crucial for lifetime success. For years, educators thought that the strongest predictor of attaining high levels of education was having parents who were highly educated. But according to the new findings, a good-sized book library is just as good as university-educated parents in terms of increasing education level.