Reach Out and Read and Scholastic are excited to announce Scholastic’s 2024 Judy Newman Book Award Winner: “Jabari Tries.” Inspired by BIPOC engineers, inventors, and scientists and featuring the endearing father-child dynamic of “Jabari Jumps,” Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows how an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
“This is a wonderful story of family and perseverance and creativity and inventiveness,” says Judy Newman, Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer.
For every $10 donated to our Giving Tuesday campaign, Reach Out and Read will purchase one copy of “Jabari Tries” for a child in need. “This book conveys a powerful message about self-confidence, courage, and the special bond between a father and son,” said Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read. “‘Jabari Tries’ is the perfect avenue to make a profoundly positive impact on society this Giving Tuesday.”
Started in 2018 to highlight a book that resonates with families and encourages them to read aloud together, the award is named for Newman, a longtime advocate for children’s literature and a Reach Out and Read National Board member. Newman leads Scholastic’s efforts to increase access to books and literacy through partnerships with nonprofits like ours. The annual award upholds the belief that finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within a child that motivates them to read more and understand more.
