Bluford & Beyond: Books That Reflect, Empower, and Inspire
Help me give my students books they can see themselves in—stories that inspire, empower, and deepen their love for learning.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Kay's classroom raised $191
This project is fully funded
My Project
As I head into another year of teaching 6th grade ELA, one of my biggest goals is to build a classroom library that reflects, respects, and reaches my students—where the books on the shelves feel just as real as the kids in my seats.
My students are curious, compassionate, and full of personality.
But they’re also carrying a lot—some are reading far below grade level, and many have lived through things that no child should. Our school sits on the South Side of Chicago in a community rich with culture, creativity, and resilience. And while my students may face challenges outside of school, in my classroom, I want them to feel seen, safe, and empowered.
That’s why I’m prioritizing books like the Bluford Series and other high-interest, culturally relevant titles. These stories don’t just teach reading—they teach resilience. They show kids like mine that they’re not alone, that their voices matter, and that their lives are worthy of being told on the page.
Many of my students have never had a book that felt like theirs. But when they read something that sounds like the neighborhood they walk through or the emotions they wrestle with, everything shifts. They start to care. They start to connect. And most importantly—they start to believe that reading can actually mean something.
This library isn’t about having “more” books—it’s about having the right books. Stories that grab even the most reluctant reader and say, “this one’s for you.”
If you feel led to support, I’ve created a wishlist filled with books that I truly believe will change the way my students see reading—and maybe even themselves.
Every single donation helps me create a space where learning feels personal, powerful, and possible. Thank you for pouring into this classroom and believing in what we’re building.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Kay and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.