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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Benda from Richmond, CA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Benda is requesting

Books Galore! The Importance of Good Literature

My students need a class set of "Al Capone Shines My Shoes."

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Benda's classroom raised $306

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Students

There is nothing like sending the students to recess, lunch, or home on the edge of their seats and begging for more. Good literature allows me to do that daily. The students are even willing to give up their own time when they are engaged in a good book. This is what real learning looks like!

The school that my students attend is a very special place.

It looks like a dilapidated mess from the outside, in an area undesirable to most. When you enter, it becomes this magical place where students are loved, encouraged, nurtured and allowed to be children. Most come from families that have been deeply affected by crime, drugs, and gang activity. Many are immigrants just trying to provide a better life for their children. The students are special because of their resiliency and positive attitudes. California's government doesn't not see the faces behind the cuts to education. We look into those children's eyes daily and do the best job we can to educate them with less. Our students don't have access to many of the resources that other schools take for granted. The students at my school deserve the same opportunities as the students who attend school in more affluent areas. I am their teacher to advocate for their well-deserved and equal education!

My Project

I am requesting a literature set for my students. We already have a set of Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. The students absolutely love it. The book that I am requesting is the second in the series. It would allow me to continue the story with them after the initial book is complete. The book is set on Alcatraz in 1935. It is so awesome for the students because it takes place right here in the Bay Area. They can go to the marina and see Alcatraz. It tells of the struggles of a family with an autistic child during the 1930's It is a very touching story that would be even more effective if they had the second book in the series. These books allow the opportunity to have authentic discussions about literature. It also provides an opportunity to talk about subject matter that some students are dealing with daily. Students at my school are so desperate to be heard. They need the reading comprehension and the safety of the group to deal with some very real issues.

Book sets make a huge difference in the lives of all students.

They are bombarded with short abridged versions of great literature. They are never afforded the opportunity to experience the full journey of a character. This discourages children from reading books. They need to feel the emotions and excitement of the characters. Isn't that why we all read? The only way I can think of to teach the awesome power of reading is to allow them to experience it firsthand! Knowledge is power!!!

Mrs. Benda Nystrom Elementary School Grades 3-5

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.

Richmond, CA 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

30 students impacted 5donors

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Al Capone Shines My Shoes Gennifer Choldenko • Barnes and Noble $5.97 35 $208.95

Materials cost

$208.95

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $19.12

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.13

Fulfillment labor & materials

$35.00

Total project cost

$266.20

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$39.78

Total project goal

$305.98

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $305.98

4 Donors

-$305.98

Donations toward project cost

-$266.20

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$39.78

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 Mrs. Benda and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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