17 books are all it takes to help a kid maintain or improve their reading skills over the summer break, which is why Niji Mahkwa and Share the Magic are providing kids with that opportunity. 

Kindergarten students at Niji Mahkwa are now part of a pilot program designed to build up children's personal libraries so they have stuff to read when they are not in school.

"Every month, they get a book of their choice," said Chris Melnick, executive director of Share the Magic, a registered charity that is partnering with Niji Mahkwa for this program. "For summer, they will be able to choose up to 17 books each."

Melnick says that studies have shown that having 17 books in a home over the summer months increases a child's chances of maintaining or improving their reading skill during the time off school.

"It enlightens their brain," said Lisa Campbell, a parent of one of the kindergarten students. "I'm thankful someone cares about our community."

Share the Magic will bring the books to school throughout the year and then will follow the children as they move to the next grade. The eventual goal is to have the entire school as a part of this program. Melnick wants to see other schools partner with them as well.

Niji Mahkwa has been running a number of programs that are designed to increase children's literacy and knowledge, including partnering with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers to share and read Indigenous stories. 

Share the Magic has given away over 420,000 books since it began.