PITTSBURGH ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOSTED SCHOLASTIC LITERACY EVENT CELEBRATING THE UNITED STATES OF READERS™ PROGRAM IN PENNSYLVANIA

JUNE 5, 2025 (PITTSBURGH, PA) – Today, Pittsburgh Roosevelt Elementary School hosted the fifth special literacy event in the Commonwealth for the United States of Readers, a national book access program from Scholastic. The program will provide nearly 250 Pre-K-5th grade students attending Pittsburgh Roosevelt Elementary School access to books they select and own. The United States of Readers features a curated selection of grade-level appropriate books for students to choose. During the event, students will receive free books, hear from State Representative Jessica Benham, and enjoy a special presentation by award-winning Scholastic children’s book author of the I Survived series Lauren Tarshis.

Following a highly successful pilot to 48,000 students in every state in the United States as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the program was first launched in Massachusetts in October 2024 in five Title I schools. Pennsylvania is the second state to launch the United States of Readers, with the first event at Riverside Elementary School East in Moosic in February 2025.

According to research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, more than 90% of children reported that the books they pick themselves are their favorite books, and they are more likely to finish them. The United States of Readers supports this data by featuring a curated selection of grade-level appropriate books for students to choose. Over the course of a full school year, Pennsylvania students participating in the United States of Readers program will choose 10 new books they will own to add to their home libraries at no cost to families. In addition, teachers at participating schools will each receive 25 books for their classroom library, further expanding book choice and access for the entire school community.

“Year after year, headlines paint the picture that kids simply aren’t enjoying reading like they used to, but at Scholastic, we know that discovering the right book can make all the difference. That’s why the mission of the United States of Readers program is for every child to choose and own their books and feel happy and empowered about reading,” said Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer, Judy Newman. “We are thrilled to bring this program to Pennsylvania, where Scholastic was founded over 100 years ago, and we hope schools in these districts will be a model for others across the country, so every child can reap the benefits of choosing their own books and developing their reading proficiency and self-confidence as readers.”

“Putting books into the hands of students—and letting them choose what to read—is one of the most powerful ways we can support their growth as learners,” said State Representative Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny). “Here at Roosevelt School and across Pittsburgh, the United States of Readers program is helping build stronger, more engaging classrooms by giving students ownership of their learning and giving teachers the tools to support it. I'm proud that Pennsylvania is helping pave the way, and I'm excited to see even more communities benefit as this program expands.”

The United States of Readers program, founded by Scholastic and co-created with classroom teachers, aims to bridge the gap of literacy and book inequity, specifically in high Title I schools and rural areas where students have little or no opportunity to choose books they are motivated to read, and build their home libraries. The program is supported through state funding, foundations, and private philanthropy contributions. Initial state funding was allocated by the State Legislature in the Fiscal Year (FY 25) budget, championed by Rep. Jordan A. Harris, with the goal of expanding the program in the future to more schools in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

“We’re proud to have Pittsburgh be part of the United States of Readers program and help bring its mission to life,” said Asst. Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, Dr. Monica Lamar. “Ensuring access to meaningful, high-quality books is more than a literacy effort—it’s an investment in equity, in achievement, and in the potential of every child. When we empower students to choose books that resonate with their lives and dreams, we strengthen not only their academic growth but the communities we serve. This program is a powerful step forward in closing the opportunity gap.”

CONTACT: Julia Comiskey, 781-424-3491, julia@southandhill.com