Queen City Book Bank Celebrates the Power of Reading with Local Author Louise Borden’s “Thank You, School”

Queen City Book Bank (QCBB) is celebrating the power of books, community and teamwork through its 2026–27 signature book Thank You, School by beloved local author, Louise Borden. Each year, QCBB selects a signature book and theme to help teachers build a culture of reading and connection in their schools. Thank You, School offers
an opportunity to celebrate the many people who support children throughout their school journey, from teachers and school staff to families, volunteers, and community partners.

Borden’s connection to QCBB goes far beyond being the author of this year’s signature book. She is also a dedicated volunteer and a member of the “Vivacious Volunteers,” a group that helps prepare book orders for schools each Thursday. Her ongoing commitment to getting books into the hands of students makes this year’s selection of Thank You, School especially fitting.

This year, the program also features a companion activity sheet created by QCBB Volunteer Coordinator Katie Droder and a team of volunteers, many who are former teachers and librarians. Designed to complement the book, the activity sheet gives teachers and students engaging ways to explore and extend its themes in the classroom.

“The idea that 4,500 elementary students across our region will be reading my book is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Louise Borden. “Books have a special way of helping children see themselves, their schools and the people around them in new ways. Knowing that Thank You, School is being shared with so many students through QCBB makes this experience particularly special and I am honored to be part of it.”

The book recently came to life during a special event at Hays-Porter Elementary, where Cincinnati Bengals players and representatives helped distribute copies of Thank You, School to students. The event brought together the joy of reading, the excitement of community partners and the shared belief that every child deserves access to books.

QCBB also extends its thanks to The Bookshelf in Madeira for helping make the order process seamless and supporting the distribution of the books to students.

“This book and Louise’s connection to QCBB make this year’s selection especially significant,” said Michelle Otten Guenther, CEO of Queen City Book Bank. “Louise has been an important part of the QCBB family as both a local author and volunteer, and it’s wonderful to now share her book with thousands of students in our region. Thank You, School beautifully celebrates the many people who come together to support children and reminds us that literacy and student success are truly a team effort.”

The celebration will continue at QCBB’s Gala for Literacy: One for the Books, taking place February 18, 2027, at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Louise Borden will join QCBB as a featured speaker at the Gala, which celebrates students and the many individuals, organizations and community partners who make QCBB’s programs possible. More information is available at: https://queencitybookbank.org/pages/special-events.

About Author Louise Borden
Louise Borden is an award-winning Cincinnati-born author who has written more than 30 books for children, many inspired by history and the stories of everyday people. A former preschool and first-grade teacher and independent bookstore co-owner, Borden is known for bringing history to life for young readers and frequently visits schools across the country for writing workshops and speaking engagements.

Photos provided.