French entrepreneur changes children’s lives — one cheap book at a time

It’s not everyday you meet a literary miracle worker like Safrat, who’s able to sell books like they’re bread rolls — and at the same price as a baguette.

"I believe that reading can replace studying. Hence my notion of bringing reading to those who don’t read."

It’s Sunday on a long spring weekend in Paris, and the mini Parisians of the 18th arrondissement are all jostling for a spot in the Jacqueline de Romilly library.

The kids make their way toward the stacks of books piled up at the Lire c’est partir stand, which has been set up as part of the Salon du Livre de Jeunesse Solidaire (the Youth Solidarity Book Fair). The children’s shared sense of excitement makes it hard to move, never mind reach one of the coveted works of fiction.

This hyperactivity has a sole reason: as if by magic, these little ones — who have never owned a book in their lives — are suddenly proprietors of a novel or two. Once in their hands, the frantic reading of these tales begins.

Without delay, Sophie dives into Neige Blanche et les 7 géants (Snow White and the Seven Giants), while Paul joins the queue to get his copy of L’Apprenti Mousquetaire (The Apprentice Musketeer) signed by the illustrator Grégoire Vallancien, who is there alongside several authors.

"Sir, I only have 2 euros right now, but I’ll return with 40 cents more to buy a third!"

Caroline de Malet, Le Figaro

Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/24/french-entrepreneur-changes-childrens-lives-one-cheap-book-time/102813608/

This article is one of dozens being shared to media outlets around the world for Impact Journalism Day on Saturday, June 24, 2017. It was produced and edited independently from USA TODAY.