Bess’s Latest News
The Magical World of Words
“This place is full of magic,” said nine-year-old Jamelia as she stepped on the bus. The ceiling was painted in Starry Night swirls and the shelves were stocked with books, thousands of books. A smile stretched across her face as she imagined the possibilities....
One Month in Maine pt. 2
Millinocket The 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight tour encountered a set back when Bess the Book Bus broke down en route to Millinocket. Getting a tow turned into an ordeal, but the worst part of the day was missing our event. Aid for Kids brought a care...
One Month in Maine pt. 1
After three months on the road, Bess the Book Bus finally found a home away from home. The 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight tour traveled to Maine for a full month of mobile literacy outreach. We were able to spend so much time in the state because of the...
The Best of Buffalo
For the past two years, Bess the Book Bus kicked off our nationwide tour at the Transitions Championship in Innisbrook, FL. The seven day golf tournament brought in 2,000 children from Title 1 schools and gave them access to things that are normally out of reach...
Fueling Good: Powered by Individual Acts of Kindness
Kerchunk. That's how Monday started. The engine went kerchunk, all power was lost, and three check engine lights switched on. There are only a few things that can delay the 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight tour and an engine killing kerchunk is on that short...
Spotlight: Clayton’s Collection
The Ebersold family suffered a terrible loss when 9-year-old Clayton was fatally struck by a car in 2007. Clayton crossed the road to check the mail, hopeful to find a brand new book inside. There was no package and as Clayton crossed back, he was hit by a station...
The Wisconsin Recap
One week aboard Bess the Book Bus can feel like a whirlwind of adventure. The 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight Tour traveled to Wisconsin for 11 stops in seven days. Our schedule was filled to see as much of the state and meet as many Sconies as possible. Each...
Foundations and Friendships
Over the past eight years, Bess the Book Bus has grown with the help of nationwide support. Our success is built by the hard work of organizations and individuals dedicated to helping our children. No specific title has stuck when addressing everyone involved in our...
Read a Book, Give a Book
Thanks to Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation, supporting Bess Book Bus is as simple three easy steps. We Give Books will donate one brand new book to Bess for each book read online. Here's how it works: Sign up at We Give Books. Choose Bess the Book Bus as your...
A Helping Hand
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DltSu-PH8l4&w=480&h=390] With less than a week left in class, the students of Mason Elementary receive a special treat. Second and third graders entered the auditorium and wait for an unexpected guest to arrive. They...
Focusing on Children’s Needs
The Detroit sun beats down on the loose gravel lot behind MacDowell Elementary. A sudden wave of record highs makes the ground shimmer in the shape two brightly colored buses and a tent. From un-airconditioned classrooms, children looked out the window wondering if...
A Visit from the Book Fairy
Students at Harlem Day Charter School drop everything and read after receiving six brand new books from The Book Fairy. The opening moments of Book Expo America look like scenes from the day after Thanksgiving. Lines form inside the Javitz Center hours before the...