Volunteers read to more than 500 students at Perkerson Elementary School on Friday and gave each of them five books to take home as part of a program to combat childhood illiteracy.

The reading initiative was designed to reach children in low-income areas because students who read below grade level in fourth grade are much more likely to become high school dropouts.

The event was sponsored by professional services and accounting firm KPMG, which is hosting similar “reading relay” programs across the country.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Board members listen during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. APS held its first vote on school consolidation plans. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images