In 2016, Canyon High student Mackenzie Krestul founded a nonprofit to provide books to elementary school children in low-income communities.

At the age of 16, Krestul founded Code Read, a nonprofit organization that strives to increase literacy and foster a lifetime love of reading.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print.

“Due to lack of age-appropriate print materials at home, nearly two-thirds of children in low-income schools are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade,” said Krestul.

Code Read is working to change that statistic by hosting its seventh book fair on Nov. 9 at Quail Valley Elementary in Palmdale.

Related: Canyon High Student Using Passion For Reading To Help Children In Need

The Palmdale School District was chosen to be Code Read’s first official partner because of the high number of children enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs, indicating to Krestul that these low-income students likely fit the bill of not having as much access to print materials while they’re at home.

In order to attend the book fair, teachers give students “Book Bucks” to reward them based on good conduct that can then be used to “purchase” books during the book fair.

“And while helping kids gain the opportunity to expand their minds and imagination, we help them behave better in the classroom,” said the organization in a statement.

Krestul believes every child should have his or her own books to read at home, and through Code Read’s first official book fair giveaway, nearly 750 students were able to take home two books each.

With the support of her family, Krestul has been awarded grants from a number of organizations, including: First Book, The Nora Roberts Foundation, The Walmart Foundation, The Winnick Family Foundation, The Bolton Foundation, International Paper Company and The Charitable Foundation, according to the organization.

This year, with the help from donations, Code Read was able to reach a milestone by donating over 10,000 new books for children in need.

“It has been shown that children who love to read have higher literacy levels and perform better in the classroom,” said Krestul. “If we can inspire and motivate even one child to read, then we deem Code Read a success. Reading is magical, incredible and essential.”

Today, Krestul’s brother Jordan is continuing her work while she ventures off to college in New York, where she hopes to open an additional chapter of Code Read.

“We believe we can change the world, one book at a time,” said Krestul.

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