Students from across Nova Scotia will benefit from a wider selection of books, thanks to a Nova Scotia publisher.
Formac Publishing Co. Ltd. is sending more than 20,000 books to elementary schools across Nova Scotia.
The books are from the Formac First Novels Series and have a retail value of $116,000, but the support the novels provide young readers is priceless.
“Reading and literacy skills are key components to creating successful lifelong learners,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. “I would like to thank Formac Publishing Company Limited for their generous donation and for their help in fostering another generation of passionate readers here in Nova Scotia.”
“Nova Scotia taxpayers support local publishers through ongoing government programs. We’re grateful to have that support. We wanted to give something back to help encourage kids to read,” said Formac’s publisher James Lorimer.
Each elementary school in the province will receive a package of 72 books that feature award-winning stories from Canadian authors. The package features books that encourage reading through age-appropriate stories that deal with topics students face every day such as friendship, teasing, competition and diversity. The package also includes a Teachers’ Guide developed by two Nova Scotia educators. More than half the books in the set have received the prestigious Best Books/Our Choice award by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.
“Literacy changes lives,” said Sharlene Whelan, principal of Shubenacadie Elementary. “If we can turn a child onto reading, we are opening doors to a world of learning.”
The books are recommended for Grade 3 students but can be made available to any students who want to read them. They can be used for independent reading in school or can be taken home through the library to be read with family and friends.
“It’s great to see a local company promoting literacy with Canadian writers and stories,” said parent Teena Vincent vandeRiet. “A well-stocked library opens endless opportunities for our children.”
For more information on the Formac First Novels Series visit www.formac.ca/firstnovels/ .
Source: Release
