Increasing Student Literacy, One Book At a Time

In Delano, third graders are gathered around their teacher, reading together. But thanks to the Kiwanis Club, each student is also getting a book of their own—helping spark a love of reading and build literacy skills.

A wave of hope rolled through local classrooms Thursday: 2,220 books given to kids in Delano Union Elementary and neighboring Tulare and Pond school districts — a simple gift with the power to mold a child's future.

But for now, student Sophie Ontiveros is using books to simply learn.

“The humble pie, at first I didn’t know what humble meant, but then, when I read the book, I understood what it meant,” said Ontiveros.

And fellow third-grader Camila Ulloa enjoys books aligned with her interests.

“I grabbed Freddie’s amazing bakery, because I like to cook,” said Ulloa.

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