CANYON COUNTRY, CA, May 17, 2023 - Fifteen-year-old Maddy Krestul is preparing to donate 2,000 new books to students at Mint Canyon Elementary. Continuing the work started by her sister Mackenzie in 2016, this donation will bring their nonprofit Code Read's total books donated to over 50,000.
Code Read is a fierce advocate for youth literacy, which plays a key role in social development, problem solving skills, and academic growth, as well as the ability to access information. Their goal is to bridge the gap in child literacy for economically disadvantaged communities, whose students struggle due to lack of access to age-appropriate reading material. According to the Michigan Journal of Economics, there is a strong correlation between literacy and socioeconomic status, with students from higher income homes seeing higher literacy levels, and students from low-income homes falling behind, often years behind their peers. Access is essential for reading development, and Code Read aims to provide it to everyone. They also want to encourage excitement around reading and books, which is why for their in-school bookfairs Code Read has teachers give students challenges to complete to earn a "ticket."
"The goal is creating an air of anticipation and eagerness, with books being something special to be treasured and looked forward to," said Mackenzie Krestul.
Research has shown that increasing access to books and giving children the opportunity to choose what they read boosts literacy levels, bridges the gap between privileged youth and low-income youth, and improves attitudes toward reading and learning. On Friday, May 19, Every student at Mint Canyon will have the opportunity to choose 4 new books to take home along with a book bag and bookmark.
Code Read has been awarded grants from organizations including The Nora Roberts Foundation, The Water Buffalo Club, Walmart Foundation, Believe in Reading, and the Sundt Foundation.
In 2021, Code Read embarked on a capital campaign to raise funds to purchase a custom Bookmobile. This free bookstore-on-wheels will be equipped with book carts which will store up to 2,000 books. The Bookmobile will allow Code Read to increase outreach, visiting Head Start Centers, Children's Hospitals, Juvenile Detention Centers, and Senior Centers. Donations can be made at www.coderead.org.
Maddy will be available for interviews at the book fair on May 19 from 8am-3pm. Mint Canyon is located at 16400 Sierra Highway. Canyon Country, CA 91351
About Code Read: Code Read was founded in 2016 by Mackenzie Krestul, Code Read's mission is to provide recreational books to elementary school children in low-income communities. By providing books to children who would otherwise not be able to afford them, we will increase literacy and foster a lifetime love of reading.
About Mint Canyon Elementary: Mint Canyon is one of nine elementary schools in the Sulphur Springs Union School District. Mint Canyon provides a rigorous curriculum in a supportive learning environment that encourages all students to make both academic and social emotional strides.
Contact Information
Amanda Krestul
Code Read
Canyon Country, CA
United States
Voice: 818-238-7686
