Millions of American children reach fourth grade without learning to read proficiently. The shortfall is especially pronounced among low-income children.  Of the fourth graders who took the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading test in 2009, 83% of children from low-income families-and 85%of low-income students who attend high-poverty schools-failed to reach the "proficient" level.                                  ~Annie E. Casey Foundation

Our Book Buddies Volunteers are changing the lives of 2nd graders at six of the most needy elementary schools in Charleston County, South Carolina:  Burns Elementary, James Simons Elementary, Mary Ford Elementary, Memminger Elementary, Mitchell Elementary and our newest school, Sanders-Clyde Elementary.