Sponsor-A-School

About Sponsor-A-School

Our children's literacy mission.

Our mission is to build a collaborative national movement that puts new, high-quality children's books into public schools and public libraries, so every young reader has stories they love within reach.

Why we exist

Too many public school classrooms rely on worn, outdated, or empty bookshelves. Teachers often buy books with their own money, and many children go home without a single book of their own.

Sponsor-A-School connects donors, businesses, authors, and communities with the public schools and libraries that need books most. Every sponsorship becomes new books on classroom shelves, in school and public libraries, and in children's hands.

Sponsor-A-School

by December 31, 2028

Our road to $1 million

$1 million in new books for young readers

  1. $10,000 by the end of 2026
  2. $500,000 by the end of 2027
  3. $1,000,000 by the end of 2028

We're starting with $10,000 by December 31, 2026, then $500,000 by the end of 2027 and $1,000,000 by the end of 2028. Every $25 puts a brand-new book in a public school or library.

  • $0 of $10,000 raised toward our 2026 milestone0%

86 days to go to our first milestone · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · Just getting started: your gift can be one of the first.

Give nowGive monthly
Headshot of Roger Carlson

Meet the author behind our books

Roger Carlson

Children's author, Mariana Publishing

Roger Carlson is the author behind the Mariana Books, including the rhyming seasons series, Togo the Incredible Dog, and the Mariana Meets history adventures. He holds undergraduate degrees in Education (math and chemistry) from Indiana University and in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University, plus an MBA from Indiana University. He has found his joy in writing children's books and managing their production.

See Roger's books Visit Mariana Publishing (opens in a new tab)

What we believe

Learning, family, love & kindness.

  • Students eagerly raising their hands in class

    Learning

    Curiosity grows when children have books they choose, enjoy and can see themselves in.

  • A family reading a book together at home

    Family

    Books carry reading home, where parents, grandparents and siblings share stories together.

  • A teacher reading a book aloud to a group of children

    Love

    A loving read-aloud from a teacher or parent builds a lifelong love of reading.

  • A group of smiling children hugging

    Kindness

    Stories teach empathy, and every donated book is an act of kindness from one community to another.

What we do

Our core offerings

  • Sponsor a School or Library

    Fund a classroom library, a grade-level book set, or new shelves at a public library you choose, or one we match you with.

    Sponsors receive a dedication bookplate, photos from the delivery day, and a thank-you from the students.

  • Book Donations

    Donate new, age-appropriate titles from our book list so every book that arrives is one kids want to read.

    Titles are selected for reading level, representation, and classroom fit before they go on our list.

  • School Visits

    We bring the books in person with read-alouds, author appearances, and a celebration students remember.

    Visits turn a delivery into an event and give sponsors a chance to meet the readers they support.

How it works

Three simple steps

  1. Choose your impact

    Give any amount, pick books or a bundle, or name the public schools and libraries you want to help.

  2. We source the books

    We purchase new, age-appropriate books and match them to each school's and library's readers.

  3. Books reach readers

    We deliver in person, celebrate with students, and share photos and stories back with you.

Questions

Frequently asked

How do I pay?

Choose your books or an amount on the Donate page, add your details, then complete your payment on PNC Bank's secure payment page. Sponsor-A-School never sees your card or bank details.

Can I choose the books?

Yes. Add any titles from our book list to your basket, or choose “Let Sponsor-A-School choose” and we'll pick the right books for each classroom.

Can I choose which school or library receives my gift?

Yes. On the Donate page, choose “A specific school or library” and add its name, city and state, plus a contact person if you have one. You can name more than one. If you don't have a school in mind, we'll send your books where they're needed most.

How are books chosen?

We select titles for reading level, quality, representation, and classroom appeal. You can see our current list on the Books page.

How can a school or library receive books?

Teachers, librarians, and principals can nominate their public school or public library through the contact form by choosing "Nominate a School."

Can I donate physical books?

We prefer monetary gifts so we can buy new books at the best price and match them to each school, but book drives are welcome. Contact us to coordinate.

Join the movement.

Sponsor a classroom, rally your company, or give a single book.

Donate now

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