The Series Starter Project

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Jamie Maitia
School Site
Truckee Elementary
Grant Category
Literacy
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This grant, titled "The Series Starter Project," requests funds to purchase three sets of the first volume of 57 high-interest book series for students in 4th grade. These titles include both fiction and nonfiction, all of which are compatible with the Renaissance Accelerated Reader (AR) program that our school uses to track reading progress. This collection will serve as a curated "entry point" to hook students into long-term reading habits. There will be three sets of books in order for these books to be kept in each 4th grade classroom so students can have unlimited access to these books throughout the year.

Benefits of Program

The project addresses "choice paralysis" by providing a narrowed, high-quality selection of "Book 1s." By engaging with the first installment of a series, students build a relationship with characters and worlds that span multiple volumes. This reduces the anxiety of finding a "new" book every week; once a student is hooked, their reading path for the next several months is clearly defined, fostering reading stamina, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Success of Program

The first anticipated outcome of the program will be improved reading comprehension. To measure this we will monitor AR Quiz data, aiming for an average passing rate of 85% or higher on these specific introductory titles. The second anticipated outcome will be increased student engagement. To measure this we will look at student participation rates in the AR program compared to previous terms.

Implementation

Upon receiving the funds, the books will be ordered via Amazon and processed with AR level labels on the spines for easy student selection. I will create a dedicated "Start Your Adventure Here" display in the classroom. I will introduce the collection through "Book Talks," where I briefly pitch the premise of 2–3 different series each week to spark interest.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

While this collection is housed to serve our 4th graders, it is inherently collaborative. These "Series Starters" can be shared across various grade levels. Additionally, because the goal is to drive students to the school library for subsequent books, this grant directly supports the librarian’s goals and benefits every teacher whose students use the central library.

Sustainability
The impact of this grant is long-lasting because it is a one-time investment with recurring dividends. Once purchased, these durable books will serve as the "hook" for multiple cohorts of students year after year. To ensure longevity, I will purchase hardback or library bound books whenever possible. Furthermore, the interest generated by these first volumes will continue to justify and guide the school’s future library budget toward the most popular sequels.
Amount Funded
$2733.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$2507 - 3 sets of each "volume 1" book of 57 different series (see attached list for each individual book and cost)
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$226.00
Other funding sources

I have looked into other funding sources, but no other sources are available. 

File Uploads
Series Starter Project.pdf (144.13 KB)
Notes

If it is not possible to fund a set for each of the three 4th grade classes, then we would appreciate the consideration of funding one set of the books. Thank you