Excitement was in the air when the Dowling School 4th graders took their seats in preparation for a special assembly. Students listened intently to their principal, Dr. Lloyd Winfield, who spoke to them about reading and his favorite book as a student. When the students were asked who would want to have a copy of the book “Because of Winn-Dixie” for their own, a room full of hands shot up into the air. A few minutes later, the Dowling 4th graders learned that they were all getting their own copy of the book. A roar of cheers and clapping erupted. One student was overheard saying, “This is the best day!” In fact, Assistance League Minneapolis/St. Paul donated over 2500 copies of “Because of Winn-Dixie” and a related study guide so that all Minneapolis Public School 4th graders and their teachers could have one. Providing a book for each student to have as their own allows for a common peer experience in and out of the classroom. District reading specialists worked with teachers to provide support for this exciting common reading experience. And, as a special treat, this spring Kate DiCamillo, the author of “Because of Winn-Dixie,” is expected to speak with the 4th graders about writing the book and answer some of their questions. Assistance League’s Operation School Bell® Our School Reads program has grown each year since its formation in 2014. Our School Reads encourages a shared love of reading by providing books for groups of students to read together within their school community.