The Third Grade Reading Test is the single greatest indicator in determining future academic success; researchers can draw a direct line from passing the Third Grade Reading Test to graduating high school. Yet there is an opportunity gap that leaves some students behind. DML can provide resources that are often eliminated in socio-economically challenged districts, by gifting an illustrated chapter book to students who may have no reading material at home, matched with an engaging arts experience available at no cost.

Felix and Fiona are DML’s popular characters from a first grade outreach program. For this, we aged them to third grade, created a chapter book featuring the characters, recorded an audio book, commissioned an original musical score to build upon the themes in the book and adapted a fully staged musical. All elements tie to third grade curriculum standards. After branches experience the program, a partnership with a local arts group will bring the experience (and related extension activities) to third grade classrooms.

The exciting collaborations already make it a success, positioning the library as a creative partner for education, as DML brings free, quality programming to students in branch and in school. The production is scheduled at 13 branch locations this summer and will tour to schools to entertain nearly 2,000 third graders this fall. The goal is that the children read the book, enjoy the music, hear the story and identify with the characters, with the hope that we are reinforcing lessons and inspiring them to read more.