Because Gaining Ground is teacher-led, we’re intentional about the books we place in students’ hands. We only accept donations that are new or like-new, published within the last 10 years, and geared for newborn through 3rd grade readers. These guidelines help ensure every book sparks joy, builds literacy skills, and meets students where they are.

Want to support our work by purchasing new books? Shop local at Fulton Street or Magic City Books! And if your books don’t fit our criteria, we encourage sharing them with thrift stores or other nonprofits so they can keep inspiring readers.

Guidelines:

• • New or like-new condition

• • Published within the last 10 years

• • Appropriate for newborn through 3rd grade readers