Backpacks, Books, and Big Dreams: A Bridge to Kindergarten

This summer, 259 rising kindergartners are heading home with something special: a bright, book-filled backpack designed to spark learning and joy all summer long.

Through our Bridge to School program, students in 11 pre-K centers are receiving our Ready for School backpacks—each one packed with tools to support the big transition into kindergarten. Inside every backpack is our Ready for School Guide, filled with fun activities and resources for families to explore together, helping kids feel confident and excited about what’s ahead.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Book Harvest without books! Each child is receiving five brand-new books to keep and enjoy—a total of 1,295 books going into homes, ready to inspire imagination, build vocabulary, and nurture a lifelong love of reading.

We also include hands-on activity kits with items like play dough and a notebook, inviting creativity and early writing exploration. It’s all part of our commitment to making sure every child has the tools they need to thrive from day one of kindergarten.

The first backpacks were given to students at LEAP in Durham—they also enjoyed a storytime by Gisela Mora Hernandez, Book Harvest Bridge to School Coordinator, and Diana Abreu Zambrano, Book Harvest Parent Ambassador.

Here’s to summer adventures, storytime snuggles, and big dreams for a bright future!