Behind The Book
Organization background

Behind The Book (BTB) was established in 2003 to address the educational needs of underprivileged children in New York public schools. They work exclusively with Pre-K — 12th grade students in Title I public schools that have at least 75% students from low-income households. Their goal is to develop engaged readers by designing programs that are implemented in classrooms in coordination with the teachers. The programs are multidisciplinary and culturally responsive, and promote deeper connections to books and their authors. They are 60-90 minutes long; meet Common Core Learning Standards and are completed over 2-3 months, during the school day.

Project background

BTB brings high quality, diverse literature and nonfiction to classrooms; introduces students to the authors of those books and engages students in writing and art projects around a theme from the anchor texts.

After identifying an anchor text that covers topics like STEM, social justice and coding, BTB's Program Coordinator creates a literacy program plan that includes 9 workshops (Introductory, Author #1, Author #2, Research, Drama, Writing, Art, Celebration and Field trips), designed to fully immerse students in the experience of the book, deepen their connection to the author and support them in the production of their own written work to develop critical thinking skills and the chance to build self-confidence.

GKF contributions to BTB