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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Engelman from Van Nuys, CA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Engelman is requesting

The Emerald Matchbook

My students need 30 copies of a wonderful book called "The Emerald Matchbook."

  • $543 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mr. Engelman for his next project!

Help Mr. Engelman

My Students

If we are going to prepare our children for the 21st century workforce we literally, and figuratively, need to get with the program. My students are a motivated group of fourth graders. They attend our unique K-12 school in Southern California with a total population of about 600 kids.

Our school motto is: Never Give Up on a Dream.

Our school is a Social Justice Magnet school that focuses on developing the whole child. We not only teach academics but also conflict resolution, confidence building, and social awareness. The teachers strive to make our school a place where kids want to be and are inspired to be self-motivated, lifelong learners. Our test scores are on the rise, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. About 80% of my class is on the free or reduced-fee lunch program, and 85% of my students speak English as their second or third language.

My Project

With the introduction of the Common Core, emphasis in elementary classrooms now focuses on nonfiction reading and evidence-based writing. While these skills are an essential part of a child's education, engaging stories have been sacrificed. Instead of reading about adventure or far off places, students are reading dry, boring texts. Ask anyone what their favorite book is. I am willing to bet it is a fictional story, not their college poli-sci text.

"The Emerald Matchbook" is a wonderful story of hope, survival, and love during the 1940s in Europe.

I will admit I am a bit biased in that I have a very close relationship with the author and the subject of the story. It is "the true story of a hidden child" who was left with strangers in Belgium by her mother in the hopes she would not meet the same terrible fate as so many others did during World War II.

I have always loved reading. Yes, I am one of those people. I am concerned. Well, I'm actually worried. I'm worried that the "flavor of the month" emphasis on nonfiction reading will chase my students away from books. I want to bring to them literature that is endearing, emotional, and beautifully written. Please help me in my quest of bringing this touching story to my students.

Mr. Engelman Lake Balboa College Preparatory Magnet K-12 School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mr. Engelman

Van Nuys, CA View local requests

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

30 students impacted 12donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
THE EMERALD MATCHBOOK: The True Story of a Hidden Child • Amazon Business $12.99 30 $389.70

Materials cost

$389.70

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $35.66

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.85

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$461.21

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$81.39

Total project goal

$542.60

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $542.60

10 Donors

-$542.60

Donations toward project cost

-$461.21

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$81.39

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Engelman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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