Behind The Book

Behind The Book Innovative Literacy Programs for NYC Students
www.behindthebook.org

Behind the Book serves New York City public schools - exclusively those at which 75% or more of the student population is low-income. Our programs are designed to strengthen reading engagement, which literacy professionals identify as a key criteria needed to develop reading, writing and communication skills. All Behind the Book programs are incorporated into class curricula and meet Common Core L

earning Standards. We work closely with each classroom’s teacher to select an author whose book will resonate with students, reflect the classroom’s diversity, and match the students’ capabilities. We develop a custom program centered on the book, and transition the reading material into writing projects. Programs incorporate more than author visits – there are writing coaches and research aides; arts projects and field trips. Many culminate with Behind the Book designing and publishing an anthology of the students’ work and providing copies for each student to keep. We gift books to the students and donate additional books to the classroom and school libraries. This school year, we are working with nearly 2,000 students, and have committed to distributing over 10,000 books.

Strand Books is having its summer sidewalk sale. From : “From Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 21st, take home a tote b...
06/17/2026

Strand Books is having its summer sidewalk sale.
From : “From Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 21st, take home a tote bag with as many books as you can fit from our iconic book carts, for a flat-rate price!

Here’s how it works: choose a small Strand tote for $10 or a large tote for $25, then fill it up with as many used books from our sidewalk sale carts. There’s no limit on the number of totes, so feel free to go back for seconds (or thirds).

The sale features used books only, with a constantly changing selection of well-loved favorites, hidden gems, and unexpected finds. It all happens outside the store, and quantities are limited—so come early, dig in, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.”

Students read Bold, Brilliant, and Latine by Alyssa Reynoso Morris () and, through the text, embarked on a journey of id...
06/16/2026

Students read Bold, Brilliant, and Latine by Alyssa Reynoso Morris () and, through the text, embarked on a journey of identity exploration, cultural pride, and celebration.

They explored the essential questions:
- Why is it important to celebrate Latine stories and contributions?
(¿Por qué es importante celebrar las historias y contribuciones latinas?)
- How does celebrating Latine stories and contributions help shape our identity and understanding of our collective legacy?
(¿Cómo celebrar las historias y contribuciones latinas (latine) moldea nuestra identidad y nos ayuda a entender nuestro legado colectivo?)

We thank Alyssa Reynoso Morris and Dr. Drum () for visiting the 10th graders at the High School for Languages and Diplomacy.

Students read Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci Todd , the inspiring true story of Jackie O...
06/16/2026

Students read Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci Todd , the inspiring true story of Jackie Ormes, a groundbreaking cartoonist who used her art to bring attention to important issues.

They explored the essential questions:
- How did Jackie Ormes use her voice and creativity to create change?
- How can I use my creativity to express who I am and what I believe?

Students read Concrete Kids by Amyra León, a free-verse memoir that explores themes of self-love, identity, and healing....
06/15/2026

Students read Concrete Kids by Amyra León, a free-verse memoir that explores themes of self-love, identity, and healing.

They were visited by and explored the essential questions:
- How do memories shape who we are, what we believe, and what actions we take?
- How do the meanings we attach to our memories influence how we feel about ourselves?
- How can sharing our memories help us understand one another better?

Students read Mural Island by Katie Yamasaki to explore the topic of creativity, that it exists in everyone, and that b...
06/15/2026

Students read Mural Island by Katie Yamasaki to explore the topic of creativity, that it exists in everyone, and that by sharing it with others, it has the capacity for great impact. They explored the essential questions:
- Where and how can we express ourselves creatively?
- What makes art meaningful, even if it disappears?

06/15/2026

Behind the Book participated in the Civic Science Expo hosted by Futures Ignite () at WHEELS!⁠
⁠
Following a read-aloud session of Joy Takes Root by Gwendolyn Wallace (.m.wallace), students engaged in mindful breathing exercises and an artistic project. They had the opportunity to decorate clay pots using paint and infuse their intentions into the succulents they planted.

06/12/2026

Kevin McCloskey () visited the first graders at PS 125 ()!

Students read "Caterpillars: What will I be when I get to be me?" and discussed the following essential questions:
How do butterflies change and grow throughout their lives?
What can the butterfly’s life cycle teach us about change?
How do butterflies depend on their environment to survive each stage?
How can we protect butterfly habitats, and why is it important?

06/11/2026

Youth speakers Zeiad and Mariangel share their favorite Behind the Book experiences

June is Pride Month!As we celebrate , here are some titles from our catalogueMy Sister Daisy ()Daisy's older brother is...
06/10/2026

June is Pride Month!
As we celebrate , here are some titles from our catalogue

My Sister Daisy ()
Daisy's older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy's brother must adjust to the change--including what it means for him and their relationship. A powerful, moving picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.

If We Were a Movie ()
Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex in Zakiya N. Jamal's debut enthralling enemies-to-lovers q***r romance, set against the backdrop of a historic Black-owned movie theater, the quirky employees who work there, and the suburbs of Long Island. Perfect for fans of Leah Johnson and Today Tonight Tomorrow.

The Secret Summer Promise ()
Andrea Williams has got this. The Best Summer Ever. Last summer, she spent all her time in bed, recovering from the latest surgery for her cerebral palsy. She’s waited too long for adventure and thrills to enter her life. Together with her crew of ride-or-die friends, and the best parents anyone could ask for (just don’t tell them that), she’s going to live it up.

There’s just one thing that could ruin Her best friend, Hailee, finding out Andrea’s true feelings. So Andrea WILL fall out of love with Hailee – even if it means dating the cute boy George who keeps showing up everywhere with a smile.

06/08/2026

Behind the Book celebrates our newly published authors.

PS 154's 5th graders reflect on their journey exploring "A Land of Books." These new authors met the writer .tonatiuh and, through a series of multidisciplinary experiences, discussed the essential questions:
What can we discover about people’s lives by looking at the things they made and left behind?
What do art and stories tell us about what the Aztec cared about most?

Address

216 West 135th Street
New York, NY
10027

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12122223627

Website

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