Announcement: 2021 Books for Educators Wish List Program

Baltimore Read Aloud is committed to getting diverse books in the hands of all Baltimore children. We are launching a wish list program to help classroom #teachers and school #librarians build a diverse collection of #childrensbooks. The program will run from October 1 to 22, 2021.

Who can participate?

Classroom teachers and school librarians serving students in the enrollment boundaries of Baltimore City Public School and Baltimore County Public School districts are eligible for the program. Six wish lists will be available, and preference will be given to educators working in schools designated Title I or Targeted Title I.

To be considered, please fill out this Google Form by Friday, September 10, 2021. Submissions will close at 11:59 PM EST on September 10. Selected educators will be informed by Friday, September 17, 2021.

Educators will be responsible for submitting photos, short blurbs, and a signed release form so that Baltimore Read Aloud may use these photos and blurbs for program promotion.

How will your wish list be managed?

Selected educators will create a wish list of 10-15 titles. The book collection must center #diverse representation of characters and creatives. Consultation is available to assist educators with selection of their titles, if needed. You will be able to decide if you want a single copy or multiple copies of a specific book.

Each educator will receive a link featuring a list of books on Bookshop.org. Individuals who want to purchase from a wish list will buy and ship titles directly to your school. Baltimore Read Aloud will receive a percentage of each purchase made on Bookshop.org.

The number of books purchased may vary and is not guaranteed. If less than five books are purchased from a wish list, the educator will receive five books, free of charge, from the Baltimore Read Aloud pop-up inventory. This donation will be made at the end of the program and only if less than five titles were purchased from the wish list.

What is Bookshop.org?

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. They believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture. As more and more people buy their books online, they wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookstores at the same time. By design, they give over 75% of their profit margin to stores, publications, authors and others who make up the thriving, inspirational culture around books!

You can visit our online storefront here: https://bookshop.org/shop/baltimorereadaloud

How will people learn about your list?

Once educators have compiled their wish list, each will receive a link that they can share with their family, friends and via social media. Baltimore Read Aloud will promote the wish lists via Instagram from October 1 to 22.

How will you receive your books?

Selected educators must provide a shipping address for delivery of books to their school. When a person purchases a book, they will be able to ship directly to your school. On a weekly basis, educators will receive a summary report of the titles purchased from their collection.

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About Baltimore Read Aloud

We founded Baltimore Read Aloud with one goal in mind: providing a quality selection of diverse children's literature. Our passion for books, literacy, and equity has driven us from the beginning and continues to drive us.

We are an independent bookstore. You can shop with us online and during pop-up events in the Greater Baltimore area. Visit our website or follow us on Instagram to learn more about upcoming pop-up's and book recommendations.