Diverse Book Project

The Leaders Readers Network works with teachers, students and families to provide brand new books with resources, supplies and projects to drive improved literacy for all kids.

The Diverse Book Project’s goal is to provide educators and students at Title 1 schools with brand new books that represent diverse stories, backgrounds, and cultures.

Our team believes that diversity sparks global leaders, innovation, lifelong learners and compassionate collaboration. We embrace diversity, to ensure every student can reach their fullest potential.

Carefully read over our guidelines to be sure you are eligible to apply and to learn more about our process.

1. Educators must work at a Title 1 Elementary School in the Texas Panhandle, Central Texas, North Texas, and South Texas regions. In addition, we are serving educators in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Illinois, NYC, Florida, Tennessee, Kansas, and Georgia. If you are outside the regions mentioned, please email us at hello@leadersreadersnetwork.org to see if we can accept your application.

2. The work you or your organization/group carry out must not seek to influence the outcome of any specific election for candidates to public office, induce or encourage violations of law or public policy or cause any improper private benefit to occur.

3. The work for which you or your group/organization are receiving support from the TLRN must be strictly for charitable purposes. 

4. Educators must not discriminate against any group or class of people based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, age, or faith.

5. Application requirements include submitting a video introducing yourself and why this project will support your goals to drive improved literacy for your students.

*Please note incomplete applications will not be accepted.

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

1. Educators must be able to provide the school name, mailing address, grade level, subject matter expertise, number of boys and girls per grade level in their classroom, and the number of each type of book selected for your students to take home.

2. Each application will require a set of questions for educators to share their stories and why our Diverse Book project aligns with your campus and classroom literacy goals.

3. Applicants can provide a referral from a TLRN team member. Please include their full name and contact information in your application.

Application timeline and cycle:

Summer Application Cycle BY INVITE ONLY:

Fall book distributions:

• Apply by July 1 to receive books by September 1

Spring book distributions:

• Apply by December 1 to receive books by January 1

• Apply by April 1 to receive books by May 1

Questions? Email hello@leadersreadersnetwork.org

Would you like to sponsor books to give to kids? Please email our Director, chris@leadersreadersnetwork.org to learn how you can sponsor books and supplies for students in need.

Publishers, contact hello@leadersreadersnetwork.org if you would like to join us in our mission.