District 91 gives free books to all elementary school families

Elementary schools throughout Idaho Falls School District 91 held assemblies today to explain a new reading program that impacts every child and their family.

Each family will get a book called “The One and Only Ivan.” It’s the story of a gorilla that lives in a cage in a shopping mall.

Students are asked to read assigned chapters with their families each evening for the next two weeks.

“The purpose behind “One District, One Book” is so that families are reading together at home,” Dora Erickson principal Sheila Walter said. “Research shows that if children are read to out loud or they read out loud, their reading skills improve.”

The program was paid for by donations. The primary donors were the Idaho Falls Rotary Club and the Idaho National Laboratory. Other clubs and organizations participated.