UNESCO reports 754 million illiterate adults worldwide, and most are women.
- Adults with low literacy earn 30%-42% less than their literate peers. (World Literacy Foundation)
- In developing countries, a child born to a mother who can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5. (UNESCO)
- Low literacy has a significant impact on health, employment, wages, productivity and local economies.
- Gemma offers hope and encouragement for emerging adult readers. Join us!
This year at Frankfurt book Fair, we’re eager to connect with potential translation and publishing partners to address the worldwide challenge of adult literacy.
Gemma offers a wide range of HiLo adult literacy books for translation rights. And we can help the right partners develop a program in their own language.
For more than 15 years, Gemma has helped adults and young adults on the path to literacy. We’ve distributed over 75,000 copies in paper and more in eBooks and audio in the US (where 48 million people cannot read above the third-grade level), Canada, Japan and beyond.
We publish original high-interest/low-reading level books with grown-up themes by bestselling authors and important new voices. Aspiring adult readers usually find only children’s books to study. That increases the shame that attends low literacy. Since 2008, Gemma has helped improve not just fluency and competence but also self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
We are looking for translation partners to participate in our innovative program to advance literacy for all. Localize our successful content for people who struggle to read or need help in a new language or are simply reluctant to open a book. We can help!
Gemma is a nonprofit charitable organization, supported by books sales as well as generous donations. A social venture organization, we partner with ProLiteracy, the “experts in adult education, leading the way in advancing adult literacy in the US and throughout the world.” With their support, our reach extends into libraries, schools, and prisons where the need for relevant content is crucial. And the issue is of global concern, as ProLiteracy attests.
Wondering how we do it? The anatomy of Gemma HiLo books is consistent and effective. Written on adult and young adult themes, yet at a low reading level—roughly 2nd to 5th grade—each book is 10,000 words or less, which makes them about 100 pages in a small trim. Wide margins and spacing help readers progress. Short sentences and short chapters give new readers a sense of accomplishment early and often. The formulaic design and short form mean lower translation and production costs.
Gemma provides essential content for folks to enjoy the life-changing power of reading. By embracing storytelling, new readers may someday be able to tell their own stories.
Adult literacy is a global challenge. Statistics around illiteracy’s impact on local economies, general health, employment, productivity, and wages are stunning. We’re offering an opportunity for the right partners to work with Gemma in advancing literacy for all.
Join us in Frankfurt and beyond!
Trish
[This 4-minute Gemma video gives greater detail on the books themselves.]
*Image credit: Frankfort Book Fair