how I started my nonprofit, “let’s book it”, by GN

There’s something so special about getting lost in a book. I was hooked from the moment I picked up my first book and began “reading” to my stuffed animals. Although I couldn’t make out all the words, I created a story from the pictures.

I truly fell in love with reading at age 6, when I got my hands on my first Magic Tree House book. I loved the way each book in the series presented a new and exciting story I could immerse myself in. Visiting the magical treehouse became my favorite pastime–so much so that I ended up reading all 66 books, twice! (I even sent a letter to the author).

From then on, I usually had a book with me, and I was always looking for my next opportunity to read a few pages and be swept away to a different world. I would bring Harry Potter to the dentist’s office, Percy Jackson to restaurants, Wonder to school, and Heidi on the plane. 

Through these adventures, I learned about the world beyond my own. I learned about history, mythology, classic literature, and other cultures. I also learned how to put myself in someone else’s shoes and see the world differently. In addition to teaching me life lessons in courage, patience, love, and forgiveness, early exposure to books led to my love of learning. The books I read shaped the person I am now, and I couldn’t imagine a childhood without them.

As I grew older, I realized that not every child has that same experience. Some kids don’t have books at home or don’t have easy access to libraries. For many families, buying new books might not be a priority. That stuck with me, especially knowing how much reading meant to me growing up. 

In ninth grade, our school volunteered at Stephen C. Foster Elementary, a nearby DISD school. I saw how excited the kids were to interact with us. One girl, in particular, was really happy to sit and read with me, and she gave me a drawing and a bracelet as thank you gifts. 

I recognized that these kids’ reading skills weren’t up to grade level and would benefit from having more books in the classroom, as well as someone to show them that reading can be a fun and enriching experience. I truly believe that a love of reading grows into a love of learning, which contributes to an educated mind and guides one toward success, fulfilment, and leadership in life. 

I wanted to share my love of reading with the kids at Foster Elementary in a fun and engaging way. I wanted to create something that made reading both exciting and accessible for kids who might not otherwise have that opportunity. That’s when I came up with the idea of Let’s Book It.

I combined two of my passions, reading and running, to raise money for books at underserved elementary schools. I ask friends, family, and others in our community to sponsor me in 5K or longer distance races, and 100 percent of the donations go toward purchasing both the Spanish and English versions of award-winning books for second-grade students at Foster Elementary.

I have hosted free book fairs and reading circles, made bookmarks for the kids, and recruited cross-country teammates and other friends to run races and seek sponsorships. Working with the kids at Foster Elementary has been an incredible experience. They are full of enthusiasm and joy, and I see the pride they take in having books of their own that they get to take home and share with their families.

For my most recent project, I hosted a holiday book giveaway and read to the students. After we finished reading one book, they all asked if they could take turns reading another. It was so rewarding to see what was hopefully the beginning of their lifelong love of reading!

As I grow Let’s Book It, I continue to fundraise through 5Ks and begin different initiatives to support elementary students. If you are interested in supporting my nonprofit, please follow me at @letsbookit_gn

Let’s Book It is an official 501(c)(3), so all donations are tax-deductible. I am looking forward to continuing my work with Foster Elementary through high school and expanding in the future! 

This article was written for yooou! by 17 year old, GN. If you would like to get involved, go to @letsbookit_gn!