BROOKE'S BOOKS™

The “Brooke’s Books” initiative was created to celebrate what would have been Brooke’s 30th Birthday (August 28, 2008). In honor of what would have been Brooke Jackman’s birthday each year, the Foundation began a tradition of giving a brand- new book to every child in every one of its programs. Each year, nearly 10,000 disadvantaged children throughout the New York area receive a gift of a new book to honor this day. The books were handed out through the Foundation’s many programs and partnerships, which operate in numerous locations, such as homeless shelters and other city, agency, and school organizations. The books are distributed throughout a two-week period, beginning on August 28, Brooke’s birthday and ending on September 11. During this time, as part of the back to school initiative, we had special guest readers read to the children. Past special guest readers have included Alec Baldwin, Children’s Author Jon Scieszka, Children’s Illustrator Cozbi Cabrera and more…

During the pandemic, we were proud to get books into the hands of the children we serve. We hoped to create a sense of normalcy amid the chaotic time of the pandemic by sending books directly to their homes; we also wanted to helped model literacy in a fun way by reading aloud to the children.  We were proud to work with local homeless shelters and our community partners to provide brand new books to underserved children during the uncertainty of the pandemic.  When safe and possible, we were able to send brand new books to their doors.