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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Mara from Chicago, IL is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Mara is requesting

Books as Bridges: Unlocking Freedom Through Literacy

Help me give my students decodable books to unlock confidence, belonging, and literacy freedom.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Mara's classroom raised $558

This project is fully funded

My Project

Frederick Douglass stated, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

When my third graders confess, "But I can't read," it not only pierces my heart but also fuels my dedication.

As their teacher, my mission is to equip each child with the skills to become confident and liberated readers.

Please equip my students with books that will help them "crack the code" to read. My aim is for these stories to enable over half of my students to meet or exceed grade-level expectations in phonics.

Currently, my students are exploring the concept that books can serve as "windows and mirrors"; as a reflection of their own life or offering a glimpse into the lives of others. It is vital for my students to have access to characters who mirror their own identities, including African American students and those whose primary language is Spanish. This connection to literature is not just about reading; it's about belonging.

My students celebrate their literacy accomplishments by signing their names on the back of books they read aloud to me. This simple act of signing instills a sense of pride and ownership over their learning. It warms my heart to imagine expanding our collection of decodable books and seeing their names proudly displayed on each book.

Your support would not just enrich our library; it would bridge the literacy gap for my third graders, guiding them toward a world where reading is not only accessible but also a source of endless freedom and joy.

Ms. Mara James Farmer, Junior Elementary School Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, IL View local requests

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

21 students impacted 2donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Mara is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Phonic Books Moon Dogs Set 3 Vowel Spellings Decodable Books for Older Readers (Two Spellings for a Vowel Sound) (Phonic Books Catch-Up Decodable Readers) • Amazon Business $45.00 1 $45.00
Phonic Books Rescue: Decodable Books for Older Readers (Alternative Vowel Spellings) (Phonic Books Catch-Up Decodable Readers) • Amazon Business $42.48 1 $42.48
Decodable Readers: 15 R-Controlled Vowels Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 10) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Diphthongs Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 11) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Long Vowel Teams Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders Set 9 • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Long Vowel Teams Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 8) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Beginning and Final Blends Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 6) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Digraphs and Short Vowel Review Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 4) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Beginning Blends Phonics Decodable Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 5) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Short Vowel Phonics Decodable Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 3) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Long Vowels with Final Silent E Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 7) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Decodable Readers: 15 Phonics Review Phonics Books for Beginning Readers Ages 4-7 Developing Decoders (Set 12) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Phonic Books Moon Dogs Set 2: Decodable Books for Older Readers (CVC Level, Consonant Blends and Consonant Teams) (Phonic Books Catch-Up Decodable Readers) • Amazon Business $29.80 1 $29.80
Starfall Learn to Read 15 Phonics Books • Amazon Business $19.95 1 $19.95

Materials cost

$437.13

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.56

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$473.69

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$83.59

Total project goal

$557.28

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $557.28

2 Donors

-$557.28

Donations toward project cost

-$473.69

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$83.59

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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. Mara and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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