PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Students at Hodges Manor were excited during the school assembly to hear they were getting new books.
“I have a [manga] book called ‘Snakes.’ Ooh, that’s cool!” one student exclaimed.
“Sparkle queens! What do sparkle queens do? They actually clean up their mess and they sing wonderful songs,” said Aubrey Cox, a kindergartner.
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This is the third year that K-6 students at Hodges Manor Elementary in Portsmouth get to pick out free books to take home.
“There’s Pikachu! Pikachu, he’s my favorite. Mine too!” said River Woods, a third grader.
“Do you like snakes? Yes. Do you have any at home? No, but I’m going to get one soon. Does your mom know? No,” said Kadri Moses.
“Hooray! And then later he says, ‘You can live here, Flippy,’” said Leandro DeJesus.
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Leandro’s enthusiasm was contagious as he read one of his five new books to me.
The book fair is a partnership with the Scripps Howard Fund, News 3, and Scholastic to put books in the hands of students in underserved communities.
“Some book fairs require you to bring in a bunch of money, but these kids get to come in and pick out something they like, something they enjoy,” Principal Dennis Chalk said. “They are thrilled. This is one of the most exciting times of the year for them.”
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So far, more than one million books have been distributed thanks to you—our News 3 viewers and employees.
“Sometimes it’s in games, so basically I can read and play games at the same time. Bonus!” Leandro said.
"I think reading’s fun; it kills time really fast,” said River.
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Besides, time flies when you’re on adventures with your nose in a good book.
The staff and the bright, well-behaved students at Hodges Manor Elementary are positively Hampton Roads.
“That is awesome that you’re reading so much. Thanks for talking with me. I appreciate it. Appreciate it to you too,” said Aubrey.
