Book it Forward NYC: Bridging the Literacy Gap, One Book at a Time
On Monday, November 1, 2021, from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, New York Based literary nonprofit Hindi’s Libraries will join forces with children’s author Lisa Caprelli, creator of Unicorn Jazz book series (as well as three young and talented Broadway singers!) to host Book it Forward NYC: Dance & Sing with Me — a book donation event benefiting the children at the Highbridge School in the Bronx, located at 1257 Ogden Ave. Currently, 100% of the 461 students at Highbridge School receive free lunch, and 114 students enrolled are currently in temporary housing (shelters).
The event will feature performances by 13-year-old Emily Isabel, 10-year-old Scarlett London Diviney, and 14-year-old Jolie Rose Wasserman. Lisa Caprelli, the author of the Unicorn Jazz series, will be flying in from Southern California for the event as well. The main goal of the event is to raise awareness about the tremendous need for children’s books in low-income New York areas and throughout the country. With the help of organizations like Hindi’s Libraries children lacking the proper reading material can gain easy access to great reads at no cost!
West Coast Meets East Coast to Share in the Spirit of Giving
At Unicorn Jazz, we believe that books have the power to change lives! We are thrilled to give books to young students in the Bronx as well as share social-emotional learning stories that the UJ books teach. Through kindness, acceptance, sharing, and belonging, we can all make a difference for ourselves and others. By aligning ourselves with Hindi’s Libraries all the way out on the east side of the country, we can do so much more to provide kids in need with books at their reading level from coast to coast!
“The mission of Unicorn Jazz, its stories, and education is to help children smile, create and believe. Through books, music, and edutainment, the Unicorn Jazz kids can share their thoughts on happiness in meaningful ways, such as cheerful songs and upbeat stories to entertain children; to encourage communication through reading, writing, music, science, and the arts.” — Lisa Caprelli, Unicorn Jazz Author & Founder
About Hindi’s Libraries:
Hindi’s Libraries is an international non-profit organization founded in 2018 in memory of Dr. Hindi Krinsky, beloved educator, and mother who passed away due to a complication of Crohn’s Disease in August of 2018. The organization was formed by Dovid Kanarfogel, Hindi’s husband, and Leslie Gang, a former colleague, in order to honor Hindi’s legacy by donating children’s books to families in need or with special needs who can benefit greatly from free reading material. Since its inception, the organization has donated over 225,000 books to more than 650 organizations spanning across all 50 states and international communities in Puerto Rico, Africa, India, Haiti, and Israel.
“I am so excited to partner with such incredibly talented and passionate people to continue Hindi’s legacy by giving the gift of literacy and getting books into the hands of children who need them most.” — Leslie Gang, Co-Founder of Hindi’s Libraries
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About Emily Isabel:
A Broadway singer/actress who starred in the Broadway Sound of Music Tour, Emily plays the voice of Becka in the PBS series Alma’s Way., a Bronx-based show about a Latin community. It will be such a treat to these kids to meet a real-life character from a TV show that they can all relate to!
About Scarlett London Diviney:
Scarlett London Diviney is a 10-year-old singer and story/songwriter who, at such a young age, has already helped provide thousands of meals to families in need with her COVID-19 relief and hunger awareness charity, Voices to End Hunger, that she started with her friend and fellow singer, Jolie Rose Wasserman.
About Jolie Rose Wasserman:
Jolie Rose Wasserman is a 13-year-old singer, actress, songwriter, and dancer. Jolie started Voices to End Hunger with Scarlett London Diviney after she realized how many children are currently starving in our country due to the financial consequences of the pandemic.