Big news for young readers! The NIU College of Education is thrilled to unveil the Adventure Book Club (ABC). In collaboration with the elementary schools of DeKalb Community Unit School District 428, all elementary students are eligible to receive one free, age-appropriate book each month from September 2026 through May 2027.
Our mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for reading and to advance literacy growth across DeKalb elementary schools. We believe literacy is the foundation of every success story, and we aim to collaborate with parents and educators to unlock each student's full potential.
Students are eligible if they are currently enrolled in a District 428 elementary school, entering kindergarten through fifth-grade in fall 2026.
Getting started is simple!
A parent or guardian needs to complete the online registration form to enroll their child or children in the Adventure Book Club. Please note, one registration per child is needed.
Looking for ways to support your child's reading at home? Explore these helpful resources developed by NIU's Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic. You will find strategies, tips and activities designed to help you encourage reading and support your child’s continued growth as a reader.
Students will receive one free book each month. Delivery method will depend on the option selected during registration (e.g., library pickup or home delivery).
Home Delivery: The address entered during registration will be used for the direct shipment.
Library Pickup: A confirmation email with the pickup date and time will be sent to the Parent/Guardian who completed the registration. Pickup will take place at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115.
Please contact MECO@niu.edu with any updates or changes.
Students will receive their first book approximately one month after completing registration.
Books are provided by Capstone, a trusted publisher of educational children’s books.
All books will be carefully selected based on the student’s grade levels to ensure they are age-appropriate, engaging and support literacy development.
Unfortunately, no. Students must live within District 428 boundaries to participate in the Adventure Book Club.
Homeschooled children who reside within District 428 boundaries are welcome to participate.
Please contact MECO@niu.edu for questions or additional information.
Morgridge Chair Office
Gabel Hall 155B
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
meco@niu.edu