Photo from ABC News story (Sept. 12, 2016) by Danielle Genet, “JetBlue’s Soar with Reading Book Vending Machine Program Expands to Florida.”

Like many people, I love books! As a child, books changed my life. They allowed me to escape from school, chores (when I convinced my Mom I was actually studying), dream, explore, learn — BOOKS were wonderful!

My Italian mother read books constantly. She insisted that her children read and learn about the world. One of the first really interesting books she gave me was an historical novel by Mika Waltari called, “The Egyptian.” I was glued to that book and next was ALL of Pearl S. Buck’s books about China. That’s how I fell in love with China.

Today I was reading through the latest Publisher’s Weekly newsletter and they had this exciting story about JetBlue and Random House teaming up to offer summer books to children in underserved communities through vending machines. I was thrilled about this. The photo I have above is from an ABC News 2016 “news clip.” You can see these are beautiful vending machines with a variety of books.

Summer 2016 this book program was in Detroit. This summer they are in Florida. The program called, “Soar with Reading” was created to offer summer reading to children in communities where there are no books, which they call “book deserts.”  The program has been successful in Washington, D.C. and Detroit. Children have started book clubs and parents/teachers say children have increased their vocabulary too.

If you believe ALL children should have a book, then CAST YOUR VOTE!

Go to Soar with Reading and PLACE YOUR VOTE for the next city where JetBlue should donate books. Your options are Boston, San Francisco, New York or Los Angeles.

Right now, Boston is winning!

Come on San Francisco, let’s help OUR city!

VOTE TODAY — Spread the word about this great program!