Our programs:

For children 0 to 12 years of age:

With the help of the facilitator, the inmate (parent or grandparent) chooses a book from a variety of brand new, age-appropriate books available for young children.
The facilitator uses a digital voice recorder to record the inmate reading the book aloud. The inmate may record a brief greeting to their child to accompany the book.
The facilitator transfers the audio recording to a CD, then packages the CD and brand new book and mails them to the child.
The books and CDs are for the children to keep. They may read and listen to the recordings as often as they like, which helps bridge the gap that exists during the time of their parent’s incarceration.
During their time at the jail, the inmates may record a book as often as they choose whenever the facilitator is present.
To be eligible, the inmate must have a valid address for their child, and there may be no personal protection orders in effect.

For teens 13 to 18 years of age:

With the help of the facilitator, the inmate (parent or grandparent) chooses a book from a variety of brand new, age-appropriate books available for teens.
The inmate may introduce the book to their teen child with a brief, recorded message.
The brand new book and recording will be sent to the child.
The inmate may borrow a copy of the same book to read if they choose to do so.
As they share the experience of reading the same book at the same time, the teen and their parent are “present” with one another.
Perhaps it will provide the opportunity for a future conversation. It is always a tangible reminder to the teen that they are loved, thought about, and not forgotten.
Inmates may select a new book for their teen each time the facilitator is present.
To be eligible, the inmate must have a valid address for their child, and there may be no personal protection orders in effect.

Top 35 . . .

See a list here of 35 book titles most frequently chosen by incarcerated parents for their children ages 0-12.

Our booklists are available at

Brilliant Books offers a 20% discount on books purchased for the Remain in Touch program.