Become a Community Literacy Partner
Sponsor a Little Reader
Help Place Books Into the Hands of Young Readers
Every child deserves access to stories that inspire imagination, confidence, courage, and belonging.
Through the Sponsor a Little Reader program, Community Literacy Partners help place copies of Nora Escapes the Bakery into the hands of children and families receiving care, support, and educational services throughout Baltimore.
Whether you’re an individual, family, business, church, or community organization, your sponsorship helps create new opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading.
Why It Matters
Literacy Changes Lives
Despite recent gains, Maryland state test data shows that only 31.2% of Baltimore City elementary students meet reading proficiency standards. This highlights an ongoing need for community support and literacy investment.
Research also shows that many lower-income neighborhoods have limited access to books in the home. By helping place stories directly into children’s hands, Community Literacy Partners help expand access to literature while supporting confidence, self-expression, and a lifelong love of reading.
Why Nora?
Why This Book?
Nora Escapes the Bakery follows a curious butterscotch cookie who leaves the safety of her bakery in search of adventure, courage, friendship, and belonging.
Throughout her journey, Nora discovers an important truth:
Even with a few less crumbs, you’re still a cookie.
The story encourages children to embrace who they are while developing confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness through storytelling.
Written by Baltimore author Devans Eli and illustrated by Jamaican artist Brandon D. Gunning, the book celebrates imagination, growth, and the importance of feeling seen.
How Sponsorship Works
How Can You Make an Impact?
100% of sponsorship funds are used to place books into the hands of children and families through literacy and community outreach efforts.
Friend
$65
Sponsors 5 young readers
Advocate
$130
Sponsors 10 young readers
Champion
$260
Sponsors 20 young readers
Patron
$650
Sponsors 50 young readers
Every sponsored book includes a personalized donation bookplate recognizing the Community Literacy Partner who made the gift possible. Sponsors may also choose to remain anonymous.
How We Celebrate Our Partners
Recognition
Community Literacy Partners receive recognition through:
Crumb Trail Publishing website
Donation announcements
Sponsor display boards and table signage
Social media gratitude posts
Event Visibility
Sponsors may be recognized during literacy and community engagement events, including:
Ivy Bookshop
African Griot Festival at St. Francis Neighborhood Center
Good Shepherd UMC
Future school partnerships
Future library partnerships
Volunteer Partnership
Champion and Patron Partners may request one local Maryland volunteer activity or literacy engagement event led by author Devans Eli.
Examples include:
Storytime appearances
Literacy activities
Family engagement events
Community service projects
What Young Readers Receive
Every Book Makes a Difference
Each sponsored reader receives:
A Story of Courage
A beautifully illustrated copy of Nora Escapes the Bakery that encourages children to step outside their comfort zones and discover their own worth.
Representation That Matters
A story created by a local Baltimore Black author that helps children see themselves reflected in literature.
Tools for Growth
Discussion prompts and literacy activities designed to encourage confidence, critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression beyond the final page.
Community Impact
Building a Crumb Trail Together
This program helps children feel encouraged with the elements of courage, resilience, and the power of friendship within the book. This program also creates opportunities for imagination with the activities inside the book. Ultimately, “Sponsor a Little Reader” ensures that every child knows their story matters. One book to one reader makes all the difference.
Call to Action
Become a Community Literacy Partner Today
Together, we can help place books into the hands of Baltimore children and families who need them most.
Questions?
Contact:
Devans Eli
Author, Nora Escapes the Bakery
Founder, Crumb Trail Publishing
📧 authordevanseli [at] gmail.com