Students in Ms. Paula Ladd’s second-grade class at Baca/Dlo’Ay Azhi Community School in Prewitt, New Mexico enjoying the Magic Tree House books donated by Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures program.
A Powerful Literacy Partnership
Since 2008, Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives has partnered with Mary Pope Osborne to lead a transformative literacy program for Native Youth—part of the nationally recognized Magic Tree House reading initiative. This collaboration blends the beloved book series with culturally grounded teaching strategies to promote reading engagement, academic achievement, and educational equity. Consequently the partnership delivers high-quality books to schools on or near the Navajo Nation, while supporting teachers with resources that empower students to become lifelong readers.
How the Literacy Program Works
At the heart of the initiative is the Magic Tree House Teaching Bookshelf. Through this program, classroom teachers receive 8-10 classroom sets of selected titles so every student can read along together. As a result, these shared reading experiences boost comprehension and classroom participation.
Importantly, the bookshelves remain in schools as permanent resources, ensuring future students have access to valuable titles. Each set Magic Tree House books, are cross curricular therefore teachers can integrate across subjects like reading, science, history, and social studies. To date, more than 10,000 Navajo students have benefited from this culturally responsive and engaging approach.
Advancing Literacy and Equity for Native Youth
This literacy program is carefully designed to meet the developmental and cultural needs of young Navajo readers. Each title supports critical thinking and real-world application, while lesson plans align with state and national education standards.
By providing inclusive, high-quality books to under-resourced schools, the program strengthens education equity and helps students thrive in diverse learning environments.
A Classroom in Action: Baca/Dlo’Ay Azhi Community School
One inspiring example comes from Baca/Dlo’Ay Azhi Community School, where second-grade teacher Paula Ladd leads dynamic, interactive lessons using the bookshelf. Her students explore each book’s themes through reading, writing, science, and art activities.
Thankfully, the impact goes beyond academics: students wrote heartfelt thank-you letters to Mary Pope Osborne, expressing excitement and gratitude. These moments of joy highlight how the program is restoring engagement in classrooms affected by a serious pandemic-related learning loss.
Supporting Teachers Through Training and Resources
To support successful implementation, Eve’s Fund provides free teacher training—either in person or via Zoom. These sessions cover the use of lesson plans, reading level guides, and curriculum tools tailored for both fiction and nonfiction content.
Additionally, teachers are equipped with strategies and materials that make instruction seamless and impactful.
The Classroom Adventures Program: Tools for Teaching Literacy
The Classroom Adventures Program offers a full suite of teaching supports which enhance literacy for Native American youth. Each bookshelf includes companion nonfiction Fact Trackers alongside fiction titles, allowing for cross-curricular instruction.
Additionally, teachers will have access to vocabulary tools, comprehension guides, writing prompts, and printable resources. These tools reinforce key values like empathy, curiosity, and resilience—making each book a springboard for meaningful learning.
Lasting Impact on Navajo Classrooms
The Teaching Bookshelf program leaves a lasting footprint. Students gain confidence and improve comprehension through guided reading. Classrooms retain these books for long-term use, ensuring future students benefit as well.
Importantly, the books reflect the cultural identities of the students while aligning with academic goals—balancing inclusion with academic rigor.
Apply for a grant to provide Magic Tree House to Your Students
If you are interested in bringing the Magic Tree House Teaching Bookshelf to Navajo students, contact Helen Pino, Program Liaison, at Contact us.
Apply today and bring the Magic Tree House to your elementary classrooms—empowering your students through education equity and lifelong literacy.
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