2008 marks the sixth consecutive year that Governor Janet Napolitano upheld her commitment to give every first grade student in Arizona a book. “The earlier we can get a book in the hands of these children, the earlier we can begin to foster an excitement about reading and a love of learning,” Governor Napolitano said. “And my hope is that by providing each student their own copy to share with family members we can encourage parents to play an active role in the learning process.” The Governor’s literacy program expanded the program to include a book for each fourth grader in 2005.

The 2008 first grade book, Big Moon Tortilla, was written by author Joy Cowley.

The fourth grade book, Down the Colorado, was recommended to Governor Napolitano by a selection committee comprised of educators and librarians. The book is written by Deborah Kogan Ray.