Many schools struggle to afford the high speaking fees of bestselling children's book authors, which limits students' access to these impactful literacy events. BookBreak was launched with a mission to change that.
With over 1,500 partner schools and counting, our goal is to embed author talks as an integrated component of student learning. We believe that students engaging with inspiring authors can ignite enthusiasm for reading, spark a passion for writing, and help the literacy of even the most reluctant readers.
By pooling the resources of thousands of schools into our author talk program, we're breaking down barriers and expanding access to these transformative experiences.
BookBreak is a platform created and developed by the industry-leading Library Speakers Consortium, which has many years of experience working with authors and publishers in delivering amazing online programs.
BookBreak brings 2-4 bestselling elementary and middle school authors to schools each month via live stream. Events are geared toward specific grade cohorts such as K-2nd, 3rd-5th and 6th-8th. Each grade level has the opportunity to hear from an age-appropriate author at least once per month throughout the school year. Recordings of the talks are also available on our platform.
The live events are 10-15 minutes long for elementary school and 15 to 25 minutes long for middle school. They are designed as a short “brain break” for teachers or librarians to share with their classes and there is also the opportunity for student Q & A.
We are highly committed to offering a diverse mix of perspectives and will ensure that half or more of the featured authors will be women and/or represent a multi-cultural background.
BookBreak supports student interest in reading and writing with monthly bestselling author talks and comprehensive planning resources, seamlessly integrating with teacher curricula and reinforcing the library's value as a collaborative learning space.
We're proud to bring world-renowned authors (just to mention a few) who will be participating with elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year including Kate DiCamillo, Jeff Kinney, Dan Santat, Kate Messner, Matt de la Peña, Shannon Hale, and LeUyen Pham. And, for the middle school program we have highly acclaimed authors that include Lois Lowry, Jerry Craft, Alan Gratz, Sharon Draper, Steve Sheinkin and Tamora Pierce. Please request a demo for the latest list of upcoming authors.
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As part of our vision to provide author access, develop every student's love for books, and to support reading and literacy for all communities, every school that joins the BookBreak program will allow us to give a high-poverty school free access to the program. High-poverty schools are those where 80% or more of students come from low income families.
The signup form to join the program for high-poverty schools for the 24'-25' school year will be available in January 2024.
Meet our dedicated team, boasting over 60 years of collective teaching experience. We’re not just passionate about reading; we’re seasoned teachers and librarians crafting experiences and resources that resonate with educators’ and students’ needs.
Request a demo and explore how joining the BookBreak program can increase access to amazing authors for your school community.
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