Welcome to Andrew's Books
Dear Reader,
Hello, my name is Andrew, I'm 13 years old and in grade nine. I am a member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta, although I live in Ontario.
My mom and I started Andrew's books when I was seven years old. Each year I make a request for books instead of toys for my birthday and Christmas (DOB/December 1). I donate all the books I receive to a First Nation's school library. Yearly, a different school is chosen to receive Andrew's books. My choice is based on how isolated the school is and how great their need is for books.
My hope is to continue to increase the amount of books I send each year. You can help by sending me new books for students in grade one to ten. People ask if I accept used books, my answer is no. I don’t mean to be ungrateful but the purpose of this project is to encourage literacy, and new books can do that. Besides, don’t you think these students deserve new books?
We welcome fiction, non-fiction, reference books, picture books, graphic novels; really any kind of book at all that will get kids excited about reading. All First Nation students should be encouraged to read, discover and learn. Did you know that 50% of First Nation students do not graduate from high school, and in the north 75% do not graduate at all?
The progress is slow, but our donations have at least increased every year since I began. In my first year, I donated 54 books to the Laura McKenzie Learning Centre, Temagami First Nation, in Ontario. And last year, I was really happy that we were able to send over $3,800 books to Amos Osowan School, Winneway,Quebec.
This year I am donating my books to Eenchokay Birchstick School Pikangikum First Nation. It is located on Pikangikum Lake, approximately 100 km northwest of Red Lake, Ontario. You'll see why when you read more about this isolated community in need.
Thank you very much to those of you who helped me with books, cheques, or gift cards last year. I also have a paypal link on this website for those who wish donate directly online. My supporters are so committed, that I begin receiving donations in the summer now!
Sincerely,
Andrew