In February, Book Trust received its largest book donation ever. More than 27,000 students participating in the program received the newest book in the best-selling graphic novel Dog Man series, donated by author and illustrator Dav Pilkey.

To celebrate the arrival of Dog Man: Big Jim Begins in partner schools across the country, Book Trust educators planned “Read Together Hero Moments” to recognize one of the themes in the Dog Man series about ordinary people doing extraordinarily good deeds. From February 17 through 28, Book Trust schools highlighted everyday heroes, including those who give someone else the gift of time to read together.

In a classroom, a high school student sits at a table with a group of elementary school student and reads "Dog Man: Big Jim Begins." The younger students follow along with their own copies.
A Greeley West High School student reads to younger students.

More than 10,000 copies of the book were distributed to Book Trust students throughout Colorado, including 216 copies to second through fifth graders at Shawsheen Elementary School.

“Our students were thrilled when we surprised them with the new Dog Man books—their excitement was felt throughout the building!” said Jill Barnes, Principal of Shawsheen Elementary. “Book Trust brings joy to reading, making it both fun and engaging. When students have the opportunity to choose and own their books, their motivation to read increases.”

At the school’s celebration, 30 Greeley West High School students visited to read Dog Man: Big Jim Begins with younger students. They spent the morning reading aloud in pairs, small groups, and even to entire classes.

“The joy of reading is alive and well at Shawsheen Elementary School, thanks to Book Trust!” Greeley-Evans School District 6 shared on social media.

View more photos here.