Liv's Story

Liv was born to young mother, Savana before Savana even had a chance to graduate high school. 

Savana’s parents turned their backs not long before Liv was born. With no other options available, Savana lived in a small mobile home park where kind neighbors would often help her out with childcare when she needed to go to work at her serving job or attend night classes. 

After two years of hard work, Savana obtained her GED, got a good job with on-site childcare, and was able to move into a better living situation.  

But as a single mom, things were tight. As a result, there was no extra money for anything outside of rent, food, transportation, and the basic necessities like clothing and hygiene items. 

One day, when Liv was three, she and Savana went to a clinic supported by United Way of Treasure Valley for free health screenings. Book it Forward! Idaho was there to give all attendees a free book!  

It was there (after an eye exam that Liv actually failed and later received proper eyeglasses for), that Liv received her first book ever that was all her own. 

“Seeing Liv’s face light up when they told her she could keep that book is something I won’t ever forget,” remembers Savana. After that day, they became regulars at their local library where both Savana and Liv were able to make new friends.  

“No matter how many books we check out or that have been donated to us, nothing will ever come close to the love Liv has for her very own first book. It’s always on our nightstand and it’s how we end every day together—with her very favorite story. I never knew a book could mean so much. But it does.” 

Sixty-one percent of low-income families lack books in the home for children. The availability of reading material in the home is directly associated with children’s achievement in reading, and if children are not reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade, it has a profound effect on their future success. When you give books to kids, you give them hope for a brighter future. 

Click here to learn how you can support this year's Children's Book Drive.