Children’s book author, philanthropist, and pilot Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as a Literacy Champion for Scholastic's groundbreaking program United States of Readers. The initiative is designed to create book choice and ownership opportunities for PreK–8 students attending under-resourced schools across the country.
For decades, educators and researchers have pointed to the critical truth that literacy is the foundation for success in school and beyond. Yet millions of children in Title I schools and rural areas still lack access to books they can call their own. United States of Readers aims to change that by ensuring every student has the chance to pick and keep books that reflect their interests, cultures, and dreams.
Judy Newman, Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer, revealed why Sánchez Bezos is the perfect fit. “As a pilot, an author, and an advocate for children, Lauren Sánchez Bezos understands that all kids need both excellent academic reading instruction and the opportunity to choose and own the books that will motivate them to read. Her commitment to literacy for all children—with a special focus on those in under-resourced schools—is inspiring and truly impactful,” Newman said.
Sánchez Bezos’ Role
Sánchez Bezos, whose New York Times bestselling picture book "The Fly Who Flew to Space" inspires kids to dream big, will bring her voice and her character, Flynn, into classrooms across America. The book, along with its Spanish edition "La Mosca Que Voló al Espacio," will be distributed to students through the program beginning this fall. Flynn himself will step into the role of “spokesfly/portavoz”, encouraging children to chase their dreams and write about them in a new school-year-long project called “Dear Flynn.”
According to Sánchez Bezos, there is a personal motivation behind her involvement. "As a mother, I know how powerful books can be in shaping a child’s world, and as an author I understand that literacy is the foundation for success in school and in life. I’m grateful to support Scholastic’s mission of putting stories into children’s hands,” she said.
A School Visit Kickoff
To launch her Literacy Champion role, Sánchez Bezos visited Winthrop STEM public elementary school in New London, Connecticut, on September 9, 2025. She read aloud from "The Fly Who Flew to Space," answered students’ questions about her inspirations, and met with teachers to discuss their literacy goals. Throughout the school year, she will continue engaging with schools nationwide to promote reading and advocate for equal access to books.
By combining the power of book choice with inspiring champions like Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Scholastic is betting big on the idea that giving kids ownership over their reading will help build a generation of lifelong learners.
Flynn the Fly may be a tiny character, but his message of dream big, stay curious, and keep reaching for the stars is exactly the kind of spark that can light a child’s love of reading.