The Foundation for Children's Books cultivates children's curiosity, creativity and academic achievement by igniting in them a love of good books.

Since 1983, the FCB has produced innovative educational programs, workshops and teaching materials for teachers in preschool to grade 8, reading and literacy specialists, librarians, parents, and the public. We place a high priority on serving educators and library staffs in under-resourced school districts.

Since 2005, we have increased our commitment to serving children in underserved schools directly through author and illustrator visits and residencies. With the support of individual donations and private foundations, we have

• brought 26 acclaimed authors and illustrators to 22 different elementary and middle schools in Boston;
• donated more than 650 books to Boston classrooms and libraries;
• worked with over 4,000 young readers and writers--and their teachers--to strengthen their literacy skills.

We believe that by facilitating powerful interactions between the creators of children's books and underserved K-8 students in Boston, we help motivate children to become better readers and writers. Author visits and residencies organized by the FCB extend and enhance the literacy curriculum in underserved schools, inspire and support teachers and librarians, and provide new ways to engage students in reading and writing.

Children's book authors and illustrators are dynamic and inspiring people. They show children that creative people can use their writing or artwork to teach something and to tell stories that matter. In a time when children are more sophisticated consumers of content than ever, we're introducing them to the creators of content--content that is directly relevant to them. Among the many literacy organizations in the Boston area, we are the only one building this bridge between the creators of children's books and their audience of young readers in Boston classrooms.

We are proud to partner with other organizations in this work, including Everybody Wins Metro Boston's Power Lunch program; 826 Boston's in-school writing programs; ReadBoston; the Boston Book Festival; and area independent schools. These programs are funded by individual and institutional donations to the FCB.

With the exception of school-based workshops and author visits, all programs are open to the public. The FCB is listed by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a Professional Development Provider for educators.