"I sleep with my new books under my pillow at night!"
Trellane, Book Joy book collector
Find Book Joy: Fun Facts
Our Founder
Carolyn Polchinski, Ed.D., a tenacious literacy advocate, holds a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Development. Early on in life, Carolyn cultivated a strong interest in the storytelling, wonder, and imagination that was discovered in children's books. She soon developed the keen understanding, instilled by her parents, that reading books held the key to infinite opportunities in life. As her career as a reading specialist unfolded, Carolyn's meaningful teaching experiences revealed the vast inequities in access to book ownership that stem from stark contrasts in funding and resources. In response, Carolyn founded the Find Book Joy program as a way to increase equitable access to book ownership and choice in book selection at no cost for children living and learning in economically disadvantaged communities. In her leadership role as Founder and Lead Book Joy Ambassador of Find Book Joy, Carolyn is determined to effect enduring change, so that all children, in every zip code, can experience the magic and promise of BOOK JOY!
Our Partnerships
Our books are sourced from well-resourced families and schools who partner with us to share their existing book wealth in hopes of providing equitable reading opportunities and increased choice in book selection to children in communities with limited resources. We prioritize inclusive books that feature authentic representation to meet the needs of the children in the communities we serve. In turn, children connect to the characters' lived experiences, aspirations, and goals. Find Book Joy currently welcomes children's book donations from private donors in NY and CT and nationwide, from our new Amazon wish list. This book wealth is then sorted and categorized for distribution to children on our waitlist eager to own their own books!
Our Signature Approach
In the Find Book Joy model, young readers are provided with the gift of CHOICE in book selection, as choice fosters pride in book ownership, agency, autonomy, independence, and increased motivation to read. Moreover, choice provides children with expansive opportunities to define their individualized purposes for reading. This intentional practice frames choice in book selection within a culturally responsive approach, as for choice to truly matter, books must accurately represent the diversity in lived experiences of the individuals in the communities we serve (Neuman, 2022). Further, choice in book selection advances social justice principles by providing children with literature that features authentic representations of diversity in race, culture, first language, gender, identity, ability, lifestyle, economic resources, age, and family units. These individualized reading encounters provide young book collectors with rich opportunities to experience meaningful connections and nurture their reader identity development (Heineke et al., 2022; Kleekamp & Zapata, 2019; Konrad, 2023).
Authentic Representation
The Find Book Joy program aspires to provide inclusive literature that explores the nuanced intersectionality of characters’ varied identities. Notably, our curation of inclusive books maintains an intentional focus on authentic representation that advances children's understandings of differences (Kleekamp & Zapata, 2019). These purposeful decisions address the imperative need to provide curious young readers with culturally affirming books that feature a wide range of diverse characters and lived experiences (Ascenzi-Moreno & Quiñones, 2022; Ford et al., 2019; Hayden & Prince, 2023; Heineke et al., 2022; Konrad, 2023). When children see their lived experiences represented, respected, and recognized in meaningful ways, they are more engaged in the reading process and may be more motivated to read independently (Ford et al., 2019). Our culturally responsive approach to book distribution encourages children to see themselves in stories while exploring new identities and perspectives.
Our Research
Doctoral research conducted by our Founder, Carolyn Polchinski, Ed.D., revealed that access to book ownership and choice in book selection provide children with increased opportunities to read inclusive books that feature authentic representation and foster individualized reading encounters that:
(1) nurture hope, resilience, and optimism and
(2) build meaningful connections that enhance book joy experiences and expand reading engagement.
Study findings demonstrated that reading books about fictional characters or real-life individuals who overcome adversity to achieve their goals was an empowering experience for young readers. Further, the children's narratives evidenced that they viewed characters’ hope and resilience as admirable qualities. Finally, study findings indicated that these individualized connections expanded their book joy experiences and strengthened their reader identities (Polchinski, 2025).
Testimonials
A Parent's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
"Dear Carolyn,
My children were so happy and excited to tell me all about the books that you delivered to our home! My husband and I are both so grateful that you have come into our lives, not just for showering our children with books, but for pouring into them, and investing your time, energy, and resources. These gifts are an investmen
"Dear Carolyn,
My children were so happy and excited to tell me all about the books that you delivered to our home! My husband and I are both so grateful that you have come into our lives, not just for showering our children with books, but for pouring into them, and investing your time, energy, and resources. These gifts are an investment into their future, and we are truly thankful. At this point Carolyn, you are considered extended family! Thank you for sharing the book joy with my children!"
– Danita R., parent of Book Joy recipient, Stratford, CT.
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
"Carolyn, also known as the Book Fairy, brought her incredible Book Joy program to NHA, and it was magical! With her personalized approach, she carefully selected books tailored to each child’s unique interests, sparking their imaginations. The one-on-one reading sessions allowed students to experience books in a whole new light, enhancin
"Carolyn, also known as the Book Fairy, brought her incredible Book Joy program to NHA, and it was magical! With her personalized approach, she carefully selected books tailored to each child’s unique interests, sparking their imaginations. The one-on-one reading sessions allowed students to experience books in a whole new light, enhancing their reading comprehension skills. The Book Fairy’s dedication and passion for fostering a love of literature impacted our students in a meaningful way. We are so grateful for the joy and inspiration that Carolyn and her Book Joy program have brought to them."
- Shana J., Norwalk Housing Authority Learning Center Leader
A Parent's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Parent's Gratitude
“Thanks to the thoughtful support from Book Fairy, my daughter now has beautifully chosen, culturally appropriate books she absolutely loves. I was especially touched when Carolyn personally delivered the books to our home — that extra connection made it feel truly special. She also takes the time to stay informed on my daughter’s progres
“Thanks to the thoughtful support from Book Fairy, my daughter now has beautifully chosen, culturally appropriate books she absolutely loves. I was especially touched when Carolyn personally delivered the books to our home — that extra connection made it feel truly special. She also takes the time to stay informed on my daughter’s progress, which means so much to us as a family. Thank you."
- Janette K., Parent of Book Joy recipient, Bridgeport, CT
"Now I have a library in my own house!"
Orion, Book Joy book collector
"The more joyful reading can be, the more a child will want to read."
(Allington, 2014)
Access and Choice in Book Selection
Find Book Joy: Providing Books of Choice at No Cost to Children Eager to Own their Own Books
Find Book Joy is a local book donation and distribution partnership based in Fairfield County, CT that increases equitable access to book ownership by redistributing book wealth at no cost to children in Title I schools. We remove the high-cost barrier to book ownership and provide abundant choice to culturally affirming, inclusive children's books at no-cost book fairs, inviting eager young readers to experience the magic and promise of book joy. Please send a note today if you have good quality children's books to rehome and one of our Book Joy Ambassadors will respond ASAP. Thank you for sharing your book joy with young readers on our waitlist eager to own their own books!
"We learn from books all that we can do."
Cameron, Book Joy book collector
"It is so exciting to be a book collector!"
Josie, Book Joy book collector
Find Book Joy: A Gallery of Literacy Wonders
The Magic of Book Joy
In loving memory of Maureen Carroll Polchinski Heaney, M.S., a passionate literacy advocate and lifelong educator whose love of learning and belief in every child continue to inspire the heart and the mission of Find Book Joy.
Sign Up Today!
Enroll now to receive free inclusive books from FIND BOOK JOY for your children or your students and one of our Book Joy Ambassadors will contact you today!