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. The national organization provides about 75 percent of funding for most local chapters, but gives 100 percent of funding to programs for especially needy children, such as migrant workers and those in homeless shelters. Supporters have sent thousands of letters and e-mails to Congress, hoping lawmakers restore the funding, Trueheart said.