Reading Is Fundamental, but funding can be fickle. For 35 years, the RIF program has given millions of free paperback books to poor children in 50 states. But it stands to lose all of its federal money next year.
Fundamental supporters say that's what their program does best.
It's really quite magical. In fact, former first lady Barbara Bush, the president's mother, is listed on the program's National Advisory Council. Laura Bush, herself a strong literacy advocate, is a former adviser, an aide said. Supporters have sent thousands of letters and e-mails to Congress, hoping lawmakers restore the funding, Trueheart said. The Senate this week takes up Bush's education plan, with Democrats saying the White House needs to provide billions more to elementary and secondary education.