PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A pep rally at Hodges Manor Elementary school in Portsmouth kicked off a fun day for students. They are going to be picking out five brand new books to take home as part of the News 3 "If You Give a Child a Book' campaign.
“We’re lucky here at Hodges Manor because they get to build their own library, we’ve had a lot of books given out with the partnership so they have a library at home,” said Dennis Chalk, Hodges Manor Principal.
The program is made possible by the The Scripps Howard Fund, WTKR News Three, and viewers like you. In fact, since the program started, 17,000 brand new books have been donated.
“I got the new Dog Man book because I love Dog Man and I got this one because I think it's part of the series,” said student Mario Jackson.
"I’m trying to see if they have any cookbooks. You like to cook? Yeah. I have an online app that show other peoples recipes but I’m trying to find a cookbook of my own,” said student Nirida Weaver.
2057 “Oh I see soccer. Yes I’m really into soccer. When I grow up I’m going to be a USA soccer player and I’m going to make USA number 1,” said student Bradley Wilson confidently.
This year the program has raised $43,000 to buy books for title one schools in our neighborhoods.
“Tell me about the books you have here. You have a couple of Dragon Girls and what else? And Wings of Fire. I’m sensing a theme here. Dragons. Indeed,” said student Cambry Edwards.
Stoking the fire of young readers is the goal of the book campaign and these eager readers at Hodges Manor are Positively Hampton Roads.
