Each IRW program has at its core the goal of increasing excitement around books for children. The preparatory work done by IRW staff of selecting a book and developing Explore More Book Guides, the individual attention from an author or illustrator, and the personally inscribed book given to students create a rich, memorable experience. 

Having meaningful experiences with books can critically impact a child’s interest in reading and learning, and in turn their future. Research done by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, compiled in the annual Kids Count report, shows that fourth grade is a critical moment in children’s education:

“Children who reach fourth grade without being able to read proficiently are more likely to drop out of high school, reducing their earnings potential and chances for success. Kids with poor reading skills are also more likely to engage in high-risk behavior during adolescence” (2022).

Fourth grade is around the time when children begin using reading as a tool to learn about other subjects, and it’s at this time that a lack of reading proficiency therefore begins to inhibit their capacity for learning. One potential factor is interest, reflected in a survey administered by Scholastic of 1,000 pairs of children and their parents that determined that reading “for fun” declines significantly between ages 8 and 9 (2019). 

We acknowledge that there are many factors that may lead students to fall behind with reading proficiency but it is our belief that excitement, curiosity, and expanded learning are among the best tools we have to keep children reading and learning on their own.