Florida teachers, are you looking for ways to support students in your classroom who are not reading up to grade level? The New Worlds Reading Initiative wants to help! Eligible students can receive free books, delivered directly to their homes every month during the school year. Here’s how the program works.
What is New World Learning?
New Worlds Reading is Florida’s FREE literacy program, administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, designed to help close the reading gap and make reading fun and accessible. Its mission is to help struggling Florida students strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence in reading, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Eligible students receive a free book at home each month during the school year.
Once a child is enrolled in New Worlds Reading, they will continue to be enrolled through 5th grade, even if their reading skills improve. If a student enrolls in the program at VPK, he will receive a total of 63 books at the end of the 5th grade. An entire home library!
Which readers are eligible for free books through New Worlds Reading?
Nearly 1 million Florida students qualify for this free program! All VPK through 5th grade students in Florida VPK, public, or charter schools who are not currently attending grade levels are eligible. There are no income requirements for New Worlds Reading. See the complete eligibility requirements here.
What books are included in the New World Learning program?
Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Training and are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. Families can choose their books from the list in advance, with both fiction and non-fiction titles available for all grades. Sample topics include:
- Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean
- I am Enough by Grace Byers
- Jabari Izama by Gaia Cornwall
- Voice Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
- The Magic School Bus® Rides Again: Sink or Swim by Judy Katschke
- Most Wanted: Deadliest Sea Creatures by John Perritano
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Check out the full list of books here.
What else do families get?
Each month’s mailing includes a free study guide, as well as activities and ideas to help families get the most out of their new book. Families can find free reading resources on the program’s website, including the Reading Passport and Reading Journal.
How do families enroll in the program?
The application process is simple—it only takes about 5 minutes. Families provide basic information such as caregiver contact information, as well as information about their child’s date of birth, grade, and school. They choose the books they would like to receive in the coming year and provide an address to send them to. If approved, they will start receiving their letters in a few months. Find a simple online application here.
How can teachers and families learn more about the program?
Use these free guides to learn more about the program and share it with families of eligible students.
