ACHIEVE Fort Bend County Distributes Free Books for Annual Summer Reading Program Book Giveaway

Posted on Jun 17, 2026 in NEWSWORTHY

Free books of interest meant to help encourage exiting 1st grade struggling readers to be more confident and better prepared for 2nd grade.

Fort Bend County Constables and ACHIEVE delivered over 2,100 book bags to 1st grade Fort Bend County students to encourage summer reading.

Over the last few weeks of May, 2,174 book bags containing 10 books each were delivered by the Fort Bend County Constable Offices to 1st grade students in Fort Bend County identified with reading skill issues so they can practice reading, build confidence, and be better prepared for 2nd grade in the Fall.

“Studies show that reading skills slide back a few months during the summer months,” said James Patterson, president of the organization’s board of directors. “As a result, our Summer Reading Program was launched 10 years ago with a focus on keeping 1st grade students struggling to read engaged in books of interest over the summer.”

Pre-and-post test scores continue to indicate that 80 percent of the students maintain and/or increase their reading skills. “We have been steadfast in our mission to give children the reading skills necessary to graduate from high school and become successful contributors to our community, and we believe our program continues to fill this critical gap,” said Patterson.

“On behalf of the ACHIEVE Fort Bend County Board of Directors, I want to recognize and thank those who have invested in our children’s future – the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, The George Foundation, Fort Bend Junior Service League, Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation, and the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, as well as numerous churches and individual donors, for their continued support,” concluded Patterson. “The success of our program depends on the combined efforts of these supporters, community volunteers, including the Fort Bend County Constable Offices, and school administrators.”

Please consider donating now for the 2026-2027 school year – 100% of proceeds goes to buying books.  Eight books for one child cost $55. The goal is to give books to at least 2,500 students in May 2027. Donations can be made by either of the following: