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Inspiring the Next Generation — One Story at a Time

Books with a badge

A community-driven literacy and mentorship program that connects children with first responders through structured reading, education, and engagement initiatives. Our mission is to improve childhood literacy, build positive relationships between youth and public safety professionals, and create opportunities for long-term personal growth.

Through consistent interaction—not one-time events—Books with a Badge creates meaningful connections that inspire confidence, accountability, and a lifelong love for reading.

About Books with a Badge

Our program

Books with a Badge is built on a multi-layered approach that combines literacy, mentorship, incentives, and real-world experiences

Literacy-Focused Engagement

At the core of our program is direct reading interaction between children and first responders. Officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel regularly visit schools, libraries, and community spaces to read with students, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment.

Students are also paired with first responders through our Reading Buddy Program, allowing for consistent mentorship and ongoing literacy development. Through structured challenges like the Chief Reader Program, children track their progress and earn recognition as they advance through reading milestones.

Incentives That Drive Results

We believe consistency should be rewarded. Our Badge Bucks system and tiered incentive programs encourage students to stay engaged in reading, maintain good behavior, and prioritize attendance.

Students earn rewards through measurable effort, reinforcing discipline, goal-setting, and achievement. Programs like “Caught Reading” further promote a culture where reading is recognized and celebrated.

Learn with bookswithabadge.org

Real-World Experiences

Creativity and Confidence Building

Life Skills and Education

Books with a Badge goes beyond the classroom by providing hands-on experiences that make learning memorable.

Through initiatives such as the Junior First Responder Academy, Touch-a-Truck events, and ride-along simulations, students gain exposure to real public safety roles. These experiences not only educate but also inspire future career interests while strengthening trust between youth and first responders.

Life Skills and Education

Creativity and Confidence Building

Life Skills and Education

Our program integrates critical life lessons into every interaction. First responders deliver presentations on topics such as anti-bullying, leadership, and digital safety, helping students navigate real-world challenges.

We connect reading to real-life decision-making, ensuring that children are not only improving academically but also developing character, responsibility, and awareness.

Creativity and Confidence Building

Books with a Badge encourages students to express themselves through writing, storytelling, and digital media.

Through our Student Author Program and Youth Reader Spotlight, children have opportunities to create, publish, and share their voices. Our digital reading series extends these opportunities beyond the classroom, building confidence and communication skills

School and Community Partnerships

Creativity and Confidence Building

We work directly with schools, educators, and community organizations to ensure lasting impact.

Programs such as Adopt-a-School establish consistent engagement between first responders and campuses, while our Teacher Support and Book Sponsorship initiatives provide critical resources to classrooms and students in need.

Community-driven efforts, including supply drives and holiday support programs, further expand our reach and ensure no child is left behind.

Mentorship and Long-Term Impact

Books with a Badge is not just about reading—it is about relationships.

Through our Big Badge Mentorship Program and Teen Leadership Council, students receive long-term guidance, leadership opportunities, and personal development support. Our scholarship program further recognizes those who demonstrate commitment and growth.

Expanding the Mission

As Books with a Badge continues to grow, we are expanding our reach through scalable initiatives such as a Mobile Literacy Unit, an annual community-wide festival, and a future digital platform that allows students to track progress and earn rewards.

About our Founder

Officer Tony Brown - glenn heights police department

Officer Tony Brown serves with the Glenn Heights Police Department and is the founder of Books with a Badge, a community-driven initiative focused on literacy, mentorship, and youth engagement.

Throughout his career in law enforcement, Officer Brown has remained deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with the youth in his community. He regularly visits local schools, where he reads with students, mentors young individuals, and provides guidance both inside and outside the classroom. His presence is not limited to enforcement—it is rooted in service, connection, and trust.

Recognizing that many children lack access to books and educational resources, Officer Brown has personally invested in their success by purchasing books out of pocket and sponsoring students at Scholastic Book Fairs. His efforts ensure that children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to experience the joy of reading and the confidence that comes with it.

Officer Brown’s passion for working with youth is a driving force behind both his law enforcement career and the creation of Books with a Badge. Inspired by a desire to bridge the gap between first responders and the community, he has made it his mission to create positive, lasting interactions that shape how young people view public safety professionals.

Through mentorship, consistency, and genuine care, Officer Brown continues to lead by example—demonstrating that service extends far beyond the badge and into the lives of the next generation.

Contact Us

Join the Movement

Books with a Badge is more than a program—it is a growing movement focused on empowering the next generation through literacy, mentorship, and community connection.

Whether you are a school, parent, sponsor, or volunteer, your involvement helps create opportunities that can change a child’s future.

bookswithabadge.org

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Inspiring the Next Generation — One Story at a Time

Inspiring the Next Generation — One Story at a Time

Building Literacy. Strengthening Trust. Inspiring Futures.

Books with a badge

About Books with a Badge

Our program

Literacy-Focused Engagement

Incentives That Drive Results

Learn with bookswithabadge.org

Real-World Experiences

Creativity and Confidence Building

Life Skills and Education

Life Skills and Education

Creativity and Confidence Building

Life Skills and Education

Creativity and Confidence Building

Creativity and Confidence Building

Creativity and Confidence Building

School and Community Partnerships

Creativity and Confidence Building

Mentorship and Long-Term Impact

Expanding the Mission

why it matters

About our Founder

Officer Tony Brown - glenn heights police department

Contact Us

Join the Movement

bookswithabadge.org

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Connect with a Hero!

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