Braille Books Program
The Braille Books Program provides blind children a free Braille book every month from a popular children's reading series.
Since 1997, more than 318 titles from popular children's reading series have been distributed to thousands of blind children. Last year, the program provided more than 45,000 Braille books to blind children and classrooms across the country.
Through the Braille Books Program, blind children can discuss the newest book or magazine with their classmates and build their very own collection of books from popular children's reading series, just like their sighted friends.
The 2021 Book Selections Announced!
Every year, we break new ground by offering fresh and interesting titles and series that are sometimes overlooked in the Braille community. Starting January 2021, we will begin distributing UEB Braille copies of the selected book series to those participating in the free Braille Books Program. Read the 2021 press release. The 2021 Braille Book Program will include the following:
- The Sassy Series, by Sharon M. Draper
- The Carver Chronicles, by Karen English
- Bluebell Skinks Wheelchair Kid and Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day, by Liz Cooper
The Sassy Series, by Sharon M. Draper
Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, and is a New York Times bestselling author.
In the Sassy Series, follow nine-year-old Sassy, who sparkles with imagination and style. Sassy learns that courage comes in all sizes, that small can be very tall, especially with the help of a super cool grandma and her sparkly “Sassy Sack” that’s filled to the brim with all sorts of whatnots.
The Carver Chronicles, by Karen English
Karen English is the author of eighteen books ranging from picture books to early readers to middle grade novels. Karen English was born in Vallejo, California, grew up in Los Angeles where she presently resides. Writing has been her passion since she was seven years old. Karen says, “As a child, I was a Beverly Cleary fan. I read everything she wrote and loved the world she created for her recurring characters. I wanted to create a similar world for children of color who see themselves—not as victims of social ills, but as children negotiating their world. Simply that. I hope I reached my goal.”
In the Carver Chronicles, follow the students at Carver Elementary who face challenges big and small and come from a variety of backgrounds and family situations. Each series is from a different student’s perspective.
Bluebell Skinks Wheelchair Kid and Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day, by Liz Cooper
Liz Cooper has worn many hats. She worked for St. Mary’s County Public Schools as a teacher, retired as the school system reading supervisor after nineteen years, and had many different career experiences from bookstore owner to registered nurse. Liz considers herself a lifetime learner. Writing is her favorite pastime! Liz has five terrific grandchildren and lives in Southern Maryland with her husband and two furry pets. Liz says, “I chose to write this series because there aren’t enough stories featuring strong, confident kids with disabilities dealing with outrageously funny situations. Bluebell and Mitzi show us what leadership and friendship are all about!
In Bluebell Skinks Wheelchair, Bluebell Skinks has a plan. In exactly three weeks, she will prove to the world that a wheelchair kid can cause just as much chaos as any other kid, and have a blast doing it.
In Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day, new student Mitzi Mufflin is thrilled to have been named Principal for a Day. Little does she know, that on her special day, the real principal and teachers will disappear. Can Principal Mufflin run the school until the teachers return?
How to Enroll
To enroll, each applicant must be blind or low vision, and be a Braille reader. Please fill out our Braille Books Program online application, or use the Word version of our application to mail, fax, or email to the address below:
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Braille Books Program
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Phone: 410-659-9315
Fax: 410-685-2340
Email: actionfund@actionfund.org
How to Unsubscribe
To unsubscribe from the Braille Books Program or change your current information, including address, email, or telephone number, please email actionfund@actionfund.org or communityrelations@actionfund.org. You may also call 410-659-9315.
History of the Program
In 1997, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults started the Braille Books Program to provide blind children a free Braille book every month from a popular children's reading series. The books are for the children to keep and collect for as long as they want them. The titles published every month are the same titles that are available in bookstores and public libraries everywhere. Since 1997, the program has produced over 318 titles in Braille and given them away to more than 20,000 subscribers.
Testimonials
"As a blind parent of three children, two blind and one sighted, I am always looking for books in Braille to read aloud. I very much appreciate receiving books from the American Action Fund, and my children also look forward to helping me rip open the envelope to discover what book is inside. Recently, I read Rat and Roach, Friends to the End to my two youngest children, ages four and two. My seven-year-old also sat down to listen about halfway through the story, after he heard us laughing."
"This book was enjoyable for everyone. The descriptions of the pictures helped us follow the story. This book had a great story to tell about how two very different animals can be friends, and how their friendship can persist even after a fight. I love books which help teach important life lessons, and I am sure I will pull this book out again at some point in order to help my children through rocky friendship issues. I also very much enjoyed watching my two-year-old, who is blind, running her fingers over the Braille in this book after I had finished reading it. Of course she wasn't really reading the words, but it was great to be able to share a wonderful story with her, and my other two children, and then to have her be able to experience the Braille in the book after the story was done."
To send your own testimonial, email us at actionfund@actionfund.org or communityrelations@actionfund.org. You may also call 410-659-9315. If you would like to provide us with additional feedback about our program, please use this short questionnaire.