Myrtle Beach, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Brooke Bary, a high school senior from Myrtle Beach, has initiated ‘Brooke’s Books’ to promote literacy among young readers at Myrtle Beach Elementary School. In response to concerning literacy statistics, Bary aims to provide decodable books to help students, particularly those struggling with reading. Her GoFundMe campaign raised over $4,000 to support this endeavor, including establishing a dedicated shelf for these books and organizing volunteer reading hours for high school students. The project has gained strong community support and recognition from Horry County Schools as a vital literacy initiative.
Myrtle Beach – A high school senior from Myrtle Beach, Brooke Bary, has embarked on an ambitious project called Brooke’s Books aimed at promoting literacy among young readers at Myrtle Beach Elementary School. The initiative comes as a response to alarming statistics which show that approximately 27% of third to fifth graders at the school are not meeting English Language Arts (ELA) expectations, as reported by the State Department of Education. ELA encompasses essential skills such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage.
Brooke’s personal experience with her sister’s struggle with dyslexia has been a significant motivator for her commitment to improving reading skills among children. Bary’s project specifically focuses on providing decodable books that help children learn to read by recognizing letter-sound patterns, making it easier for them to improve their literacy skills. Decodable books are particularly valuable for young readers who are still mastering the basics of reading.
To support her cause, Bary launched a GoFundMe campaign with an original goal of $800. The community response exceeded her expectations, and she has successfully raised over $4,000. This substantial amount will allow her not only to procure the necessary books but also to fund future literacy programs at the school.
In cooperation with Myrtle Beach Elementary, a dedicated shelf named Brooke’s Books will be established in the library specifically for these decodable books. In addition to providing access to these resources, Bary plans to organize volunteer reading hours where high school students will read to third graders. This initiative aims to foster a love for reading among young students and build their confidence as readers.
The initiative has garnered enthusiasm from Horry County Schools, which has recognized Bary’s personal story and ardent passion for literacy as vital components of her project. They acknowledge the importance of such initiatives in addressing the literacy gap observed in local schools.
Bary’s core ambition with Brooke’s Books is to make reading not only educational but also enjoyable for all children, especially those who face challenges in their literacy journey. By fostering an environment of support, Bary hopes to help bridge the literacy gap at Myrtle Beach Elementary and inspire more children to become confident readers.
Background on Literacy Challenges
The literacy challenges among students are an ongoing concern across various educational systems. The statistics at Myrtle Beach Elementary reflect a larger trend that many schools face today, where a significant number of students do not meet reading proficiency standards. Early intervention and engaging reading programs are crucial to reversing this trend, and initiatives like Brooke’s Books play a vital role in addressing these issues.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Bary envisions expanding her initiative to other nearby schools facing similar challenges. The success of Brooke’s Books can serve as a model for community-led literacy programs that empower students and inspire local volunteers to contribute to educational success.
Key Features of Brooke’s Books
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Brooke’s Books |
| Organizer | Brooke Bary, High School Senior |
| Objective | Promote literacy and confidence among young readers |
| Target Group | Third to Fifth Graders at Myrtle Beach Elementary School |
| Statistics | ~27% of students not meeting ELA expectations |
| Fundraising | Raised over $4,000 through GoFundMe |
| Initiatives | Providing decodable books, volunteer reading hours |
| Community Support | Strong backing from local residents and Horry County Schools |
FAQ
What is Brooke’s Books?
Brooke’s Books is a literacy initiative started by high school senior Brooke Bary to improve reading skills among young students at Myrtle Beach Elementary School.
What are decodable books?
Decodable books are specially designed texts that help children learn to read by using words that follow predictable phonetic patterns, making them easier to understand.
How can I get involved with Brooke’s Books?
Community members can get involved by donating to the GoFundMe campaign or volunteering to participate in reading hours at Myrtle Beach Elementary.
Why is promoting literacy important?
Promoting literacy is crucial because it ensures that children develop the fundamental reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: High School Senior’s Literacy Mission
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Post and Courier: Horry County Schools Superintendent
- Google Search: Importance of Literacy
- WMBF News: Palmetto Literacy Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reading
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Officials’ Reading of Amendments
- Google Scholar: Literacy Programs
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
