Governor's Good Book Giveaway

Gov. Napolitano today distributed copies of The Unbreakable Code, the book she selected to give to all Arizona 4th graders this fall, to Sheely Farms Elementary School in Tolleson. The Governor will visit with 4th graders Wednesday at Hudson Elementary School in Tempe.

The Governor’s literacy program began giving a book to every 1st grade student in 2003 & expanded the program to include a book for each 4th grader last year. Roughly 88,000 copies of The Unbreakable Code will be distributed to 4th grade students this year.

“Arizona has a very rich & diverse history,” Gov. Napolitano commented. “This book program is a great opportunity to combine an important literacy effort with a wonderful history lesson & hopefully foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

A selection committee comprised of educators & librarians recommended The Unbreakable Code to Governor Napolitano. The award-winning book is about a young boy & his grandfather, a World War II code talker. As part of their research for the book, author Sara Hoagland Hunter & illustrator Julia Miner spent many hours on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona listening to stories from former code talkers & their families. Both women were able to attend the school event today & share some of the highlights of their research.