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Rolling Thunder Book Bus

The Rolling Thunder Book Bus, presented by American Fidelity Assurance Company, is a state-wide outreach program that inspires children, grades kindergarten to 5th grade, to develop a love for reading. The Book Bus is a truck and custom-built trailer that carries over 2,000 fiction & non-fiction books. The exterior of the Book Bus is decked out with Thunder colors and built-in television that allows us to showcase videos. Inside, you’ll find the shelves loaded with books, a locker with player autographs, jersey, player shoes and Thunder swag.

Books Distributed

218,367

Book Bus Appearances

2,675

FAQS

Where does the Book Bus travel?

The Book Bus travels statewide, but during the school year we are limited to a 30-mile radius from the BOK Center in Tulsa and a 30-mile radius from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. It visits schools, community centers, museums, parks, libraries, and other community sites. Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of requests we receive, the availability for the Book Bus is limited.

When can I request a Book Bus visit for the upcoming semester?

Book Bus registration is done in “block scheduling.” Registration for the upcoming semester (fall or spring) opens approximately one (1) month before that semester starts. Because requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend submitting requests shortly after registration opens. We will be visiting various locations throughout the state during each summer.

  • Fall registration opens on August 1
  • Spring registration opens on December 1

Do Thunder players, entertainers or other guests come on Book Bus visits?

On rare occasions, we have the privilege of hosting special guests aboard the bus. However, please be aware that the vast majority of Book Bus visits take place without Thunder players, entertainers or other guests aboard. If your request for a Book Bus visit has been approved, the confirmation is for a Book Bus visit only, not a player or entertainer visit.

What kind of books are on the Book Bus?

All the books on the Book Bus are purchased new from Scholastic and are arranged by reading levels, ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade reading levels.

How many times can I request a Book Bus visit?

The Book Bus may visit one location per academic semester. Priority will be given to those who have not had the Book Bus in consecutive semesters.

How many students/participants are allowed on a Book Bus visit?

For each visit, we require a minimum of 80 students/participants and a maximum of 120.

Does a Book Bus visit cost money?

Thanks to American Fidelity Assurance Company and as an initiative of our Community Engagement department, a Book Bus visit is absolutely free!

How long does a Book Bus visit last?

A Book Bus visit lasts approximately one hour unless you have made special arrangements with a Thunder representative.

What ages/grades attend Book Bus visits?

The Book Bus has books for kindergarten through fifth-grade reading levels.

What do I need to know before my Book Bus visit?

Each of your students will have the opportunity to go aboard the Book Bus and select a free book to take home! Prior to allowing students on the bus a Thunder representative will speak with the group regarding the book selection process for approximately 5 minutes. Meeting with the kids ahead of time allows us to familiarize them with the process and ensures Book Bus visits run as smoothly as possible. You should have received a confirmation email regarding all the details of your accepted Book Bus request, including the approved time, date and location. If you did not receive this email, please contact us at bookbus@okcthunder.com or 405.208.4714.