Columbus students to get free books every month

Columbus City Schools will use some of its federal pandemic relief funds to give free books to every student monthly.

Why it matters: Children in low-income families have less access to books at home, which can negatively impact academic achievement. This helps level the playing field.

How it works: Starting this month, younger grades get a "favorite titles" bundle, while high schoolers receive a mix of "Hidden Figures," "The Racers," "Boundaries" and "The Disappearing Spoon."

• The program continues through the 2022-23 school year, district spokesperson Jacqueline Bryant tells Axios.

What they're saying: "These texts will both be a mirror that allows students to see a direct reflection of themselves … and a window, which means providing them an opportunity to envision a world beyond their own," Kelly Rivers, district executive director of specialized instruction and inclusion, said at a school board meeting.

By the numbers: The first month will cost about $800,000, Bryant says.

• In total, the district will receive nearly $450 million in federal relief.

Bonus books: Separately, since late 2020 the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library has mailed books to kids' homes until their fifth birthday through a partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Sign up here.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I love these programs! Books can have a big impact on a child. My favorite childhood book was "The Rainbow Fish," which sparked my lifelong love of oceans.

• I'm glad he's still popular — my parents picked up this plush for me recently.