More Requested Books for The 1,000,000 Word Challenge!
My students need 11 high-interest books to read!
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Isero's classroom raised $174
This project is fully funded
My Students
The secret is out -- that my students will read 1,000,000 words this year! And at their current pace, they might meet the challenge before Christmas!
It's been wonderful to see them get excited about reading. They're already requesting books. With your help, I hope to keep up this momentum.
I teach ninth graders at a public high school where 97 percent of students are of color and 80 percent will be the first in their families to attend college.
Despite our school's success, in my 10 years, I've observed a stark pattern: Students who read do better than students who don't. Nearly all of the students who don't graduate enter our school three or more years behind in reading and never catch up. Something big needs to happen -- and soon.
My Project
That's why I'm unveiling "The 1,000,000 Word Challenge" this year. Instead of prescribing all of the curriculum and telling my students everything they must read, which doesn't work for reluctant readers, the students will choose what to read. And they will read a lot. (One million words is 20-30 books.)
Why 1,000,000? Not only will the big number inspire students to meet a difficult academic challenge, but it will also lead to the voluminous reading needed to boost reading scores quickly and substantially.
In order to make my dream a reality, however, I need a classroom library. Our school does not yet have a library, nor does it have a budget to purchase books. It's up to me to scrounge.
Experts say I need around 1,000 books to make sure there's enough variety. Right now, I'm up to about 470. It's been fun but challenging to find good books at garage sales and Salvation Army stores. Thanks also to the people who have contributed on DonorsChoose!
With your help, more of my ninth graders will meet The 1,000,000 Word Challenge because they will have good books that are about them.
They will see themselves in the books, be interested in reading, and gain confidence in themselves.
Please consider donating to my proposal, and thank you so much!
More than half of 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
Who Am I Without Him?: Short Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives Sharon Flake, Tk (Illustrator)
• Barnes and Noble
$6.83
1
$6.83
Understand This Jervey Tervalon, Richard Yarborough, Foreword by Richard Yarborough
• Barnes and Noble
$16.89
1
$16.89
If I Was Your Girl Ni-Ni Simone
• Barnes and Noble
$8.50
1
$8.50
Shortie Like Mine Ni-Ni Simone
• Barnes and Noble
$8.50
1
$8.50
Killing of Tupac Shakur Cathy Scott
• Barnes and Noble
$5.97
1
$5.97
Kobe Bryant: The Game of His Life Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, Jennifer Stevens
• Barnes and Noble
$10.51
1
$10.51
Just Listen Sarah Dessen
• Barnes and Noble
$7.68
1
$7.68
Things Get Hectic Youth Communication, Andrea Estepa (Editor), Al Desetta (Editor), Philip Kay (Editor), Foreword by Geoffrey Canada
• Barnes and Noble
$16.19
1
$16.19
Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida Victor Martinez, Steve Scott (Illustrator)
• Barnes and Noble
$5.12
1
$5.12
Second Chance (Drama High Series #2) L. Divine
• Barnes and Noble
$8.50
1
$8.50
Materials cost
$101.52
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$9.29
3rd party payment processing fee
$1.52
Fulfillment labor & materials
$35.00
Total project cost
$147.33
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$26.00
Total project goal
$173.33
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$173.33
2 Donors
-$121.00
Donations toward project cost
-$102.85
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$18.15
match offer
-$52.33
Match offer toward project cost
-$44.48
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mr. Isero and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.