- Benay Hicks
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Summer reading partnership provides books for Native children
August 18, 2026
PEMBROKE — This summer, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Tribal Team partnered with Healthy Blue, Book Harvest and the Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club to host five book distribution events across Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club and summer program locations in Robeson, Scotland and Hoke counties.
Through this partnership, approximately 400 Native youth received 800 new books written by Native authors, with each student selecting two books to take home and add to their personal library.
In addition to distributing books, the Tribal Team spoke with youth about stress management, literacy and the lifelong benefits of reading. These conversations helped reinforce the connection between literacy, learning, confidence and overall well-being.
One of the highlights of the summer was at the Lumbee Tribe Four Winds Summer Camp, where local Lumbee author and family nurse practitioner Suzette Oxendine volunteered her time to read her children’s book, Curly Susie, before the book distribution. The story follows a young girl learning to love her curly hair, giving Native youth a chance to see themselves reflected in literature while connecting with a Native author, healthcare professional, and role model.
The fifth and final distribution took place at the Southern Spirit Boys & Girls Club, bringing a successful close to a summer initiative focused on literacy, cultural representation, youth wellness, and community engagement.
We are grateful for the partnership between Healthy Blue, Book Harvest, and the Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club and the opportunity to help place culturally relevant books into the hands and homes of Native youth throughout our communities.
