By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Many local students will have a new favorite book very soon.

“The Way to Go” and “My Favorite Book,” beautifully illustrated volumes expressive of moral values, are being made available in certain local schools as a gift to first grade through 10-year-olds by local business leaders concerned about the future of our children.

A copy of the volume goes home with the child to become his or her very own.

Printed in these books is a Parent Guide explaining values covered in the book along with suggested topics for family discussions.

With “My Favorite Book,” extra copies of the book are given along with access to an interactive Web site, www.MyFavoriteBookLand.com incorporating themes of the volume.

Without the support of local community leaders this program by the Ambassador Co. of Gastonia, N.C., would not be possible.

Sponsors are Matthew V. Cripe, DDS; Haley’s Septic Service; Hale’s True Value Hardware; Baymont Inn and Suites; Yazel-Clark Chapel; Who Knew? Consignment, Tender Moments Child Care and Stephanie’s Day Care.

Dowagiac District Library Director Kathy Johnson said Thursday that the first batch of books will be given out in May.

She said the library gets a box of books for each grade level/age group. The library gives them away during the summer reading promotion or during school visits.

“This is the only way to get the books, if a person really wanted to acquire them; they are not for sale in bookstores,” Johnson wrote in an e-mail.  “They are well-written and colorful, hardbound books based on citizenship and values – good ones, thank goodness! I understand that the kids like receiving them … They are nice, ‘healthy’ gifts to give kids to take home.”