This summer, Alvin ISD proved that learning doesn’t just belong in the classroom. It can thrive anywhere the community comes together. Through the Book Bus Summer Reading Program, families experienced weeks of stories, science, and smiles that inspired students far beyond traditional lessons.
Bringing Stories to Every Corner of the Community
The Book Bus partnered with local businesses to make reading an adventure filled with free books, giveaways, bilingual storytimes, sweet treats, and fun activities that made kids excited to learn. Each week offered something new: “Books & Heroes” days connected students with first responders, while “Books & Businesses” stops brought literacy to local businesses.
Stops included Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, where families cooled off with frozen treats while principals Jill Mowles and Jesse Brown shared their favorite stories. At Keating Toyota, kids read among shiny cars and trucks, met Mayor Dan Davis of Manvel and Dania Moreno, and left with bags of goodies and puzzles.
Every stop was designed to be more than just reading. It was interactive, inspiring, and community-driven. At the splash pads of Sierra Vista, kids listened to stories from Mayor Will Kennedy and Principal Sandy Holdsclaw, then ran and played for free. At Froberg’s Farm, families hopped aboard the playground after storytime with Ashley Davis of Alvin City Council.
From exploring patrol cars and fire trucks during Books & Heroes week to signing up for library cards at community libraries, children got to see that reading connects to everything, heroes, businesses, farms, and the future they imagine for themselves.
And along the way, they met local leaders like mayors, police officers, trustees, and even Murphy the Reading Dog who showed them that even their hero’s and role models read.
A Summer of Stories and Smiles
Throughout the summer, the Book Bus and its partners gave away free books, held bilingual storytimes, and filled neighborhoods with stops packed with books, heroes, and heart. Families connected with every part of the community, from city mayors and city council members to local firemen and farmers.
This initiative shows that reading doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. When a community comes together to celebrate reading, it not only inspires children but helps the entire community flourish. And by partnering with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, Alvin ISD showed how investing in literacy also invests in the future of every child.
Sources: Alvin ISD Facebook
Blog By: Diana Xiao
