Across the country, educators and organizations are finding new ways to support families—whether through book-sharing programs, nudges and text reminders, or home libraries that last a lifetime. These strategies remind us that reading is not a solitary act; it’s a shared experience that strengthens relationships and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. 
 

We’re proud to lead with programs that meet families where they are, from our Classic Red Book Bag Program to our Home Library Programs. Each bright red bag and every forever book represents more than a story—it’s an opportunity for a child to see themselves in a book, for a parent to find joy in reading aloud, and for families to create routines that foster both literacy and love. 

As both a parent and the CEO of Raising a Reader, this hits home. Because I know what the research shows—and I also know how hard it can feel to make reading part of an already full day.

But here’s the truth: reading together doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Reading isn’t just about words on a page or hitting a milestone—it’s about building connection. Even five minutes before bedtime or while waiting for the bus can spark joy, boost brain development, and strengthen your relationship with your child.

Reframing Reading as Connection, Not a Chore

At Raising a Reader, we believe in bringing joy back to reading. We do this by helping families create simple, sustainable routines through our Classic Red Book Bag and Home Library programs. Each week, families receive high-quality books they can share at home, helping to create joyful moments that build resilience and early literacy skills.

And it works. Families tell us that the program doesn’t just help their children learn to love books—it helps them fall in love with reading together.

The Ask: Let’s Change the Narrative

Instead of seeing reading aloud as something you have to get right—or something to check off a list—what if we saw it as a chance to connect?

• A time to laugh at silly characters
• A quiet moment to wind down before bed
• A shared adventure into a new world

That’s the heart of Raising a Reader’s work: helping families build joyful reading habits that stick.

 Read the full article in Education Week

 Learn how Raising a Reader supports joyful reading routines

This year’s report highlights our growing reach, with 34,000 additional children and families served and new partnerships with organizations like Stanford IMPACT, Utah Foster Care, and Save the Children to expand reading access nationwide. We also piloted Read Together, Grow Together and early math initiatives, ensuring a whole-child approach to learning.

Most importantly, the data speaks volumes:

• 92% of families established a shared reading routine (up from 64%).
• 91% of parents feel confident supporting their child’s learning at home.
• 87% of families believe their child is school-ready (compared to just 45% before Raising a Reader).

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated partners, educators, and supporters. Together, we’re making a difference!

Read the full report and see the impact we’ve made together:
https://raisingareader.org/2024-impact-report/

The latest national assessment of educational progress results reveal a sobering reality: American children’s reading skills have reached new lows with little sign of post pandemic recovery. 

As reported in The New York Times, 40% of 4th graders and 33% of 8th graders now perform at a below basic level in reading and dash the highest percentages in decades. The implications of this literacy crisis are profound impacting students academic success future job prospects and overall well-being 

At Raising a Reader, we see this as a call to action for over 25 years we have worked to support families educators and those serving young children in fostering early literacy skills helping children build the foundation they need to become strong readers while experts continue to debate the cause behind declining reading scores—screen time absenteeism and instructional methods—one thing remains clear: literacy begins at home and engaging families in shared reading is one of the most powerful interventions we have 
 

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal a sobering reality: American children’s reading skills have reached new lows, with little sign of post-pandemic recovery.  

40% of fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders now perform at a “below basic” level in reading—the highest percentages in decades. The implications of this literacy crisis are profound, impacting students’ academic success, future job prospects, and overall well-being. 

The Power of Early Reading Routines 

Research tells us that early consistent exposure to books and reading can significantly improve literacy outcomes yet for many families access to high quality books and support for at home reading routines remains a challenge raising a reader bridges this gap by partnering with early childhood programs, schools, libraries, and community organizations to provide families with award-winning diverse and developmentally appropriate books along with guidance on interactive reading practices. 

A Family Engagement Approach to Literacy 

At Raising a Reader we believe that building strong literacy skills requires more than classroom instructional alone. Our programs support families by: 

• Providing Access to Books: Our Classic Red Book Bag Program circulates high-quality, diverse books into homes, ensuring that children have opportunities to build reading routines. 

• Encouraging Shared Reading Habits: We equip families and caregivers with simple, research-backed strategies to make reading interactive, fun, and a consistent part of daily life, just like brushing teeth. 

• Building Partnerships: We collaborate with educators, pediatricians, and community organizations to reinforce the message that reading together is fundamental to a child’s development. 
   

What We Must Do Next 

The national decline in reading scores is alarming but reversible. We must act now to ensure every child gains the literacy skills they need to succeed. This means prioritizing family engagement, expanding access to diverse books at home, and promoting daily reading routines. Families are key partners in early literacy, and we must invest in programs that support them. 

The NAEP results are a wake-up call and an opportunity to strengthen what works. Raising a Reader is committed to equipping children with the tools to thrive in school, work, and life. We invite families, educators, and partners to join us—because when we read together, we grow together. 

Get Involved 

To learn more about Raising a Reader’s programs and how you can support early literacy in your community, visit www.raisingareader.org. 

At Raising a Reader, we are committed to supporting families and educators in this critical transition. With 25 years of experience and evidence-based programs, we provide the tools and resources that ensure children are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.  

Below are some practical tips that you can share with the families you work with, to help their children start the school year off strong. 

1. Build Early Literacy Skills 

One of the most important ways to prepare your child for kindergarten is by building early literacy skills. Reading together every day helps your child builds bonds, improves vocabulary, and enhances comprehension skills. 

2. Establish a Routine 

Establishing a daily routine that includes regular reading, playtime, and other educational activities helps children feel safe, secure and ready for school. 

3. Encourage Independence 

Kindergarten is a time for children to develop independence. Encourage your child to take on small responsibilities, such as packing their own backpack or choosing their clothes for the day. These activities build confidence and self-sufficiency, which are important for success in school. 

4. Social and Emotional Readiness 

In addition to academic skills, social and emotional readiness is crucial for kindergarten success. Help your child develop social skills by arranging playdates and encouraging them to share and take turns. Choose books that give you the opportunity to talk about their feelings and how to express them appropriately. 

Learn more about Raising a Reader, our programs, impact and more.  

Preparándose para el Kínder: Preparando a tu hijo (a) para un año escolar exitoso.

Como educadores y facilitadores, debes entender sobre el enorme valor que tiene una preparación temprana en el camino educativo de un niño (a). La transición hacia el kínder es un momento de pivoteo, no solamente para los niños (as) sino que también para sus familias. Este momento especial edifica el fundamento para el éxito académico en el futuro y un aprendizaje de por vida.

En Criando un Lector, estamos comprometidos con apoyar a las familias y a los educadores en esta transición critica. Con más de 23 años de experiencia y basados en programas de evidencia, proveemos las herramientas y los recursos que aseguran que los niños (as) están bien equipados con las habilidades que necesitan para salir adelante en el kínder y más allá.

Abajo encontrarás algunos consejos prácticos que puedes compartir con las familias con quienes trabajas, para ayudar a sus niños (as) a que empiecen el año escolar de la mejor manera.

1. Construye habilidades de Alfabetización Temprana

 Una de las maneras más importantes para preparar a su hijo (a) para el kínder es    construyendo habilidades de alfabetización temprana. Leer juntos cada día ayuda a que tu hijo (a) construya vínculos, a que mejore el vocabulario, y a que aumente las habilidades de comprensión.

2. Establece una Rutina

El establecer una rutina diaria que incluya lecturas regulares, tiempo para jugar, y otras actividades educativas ayuda a que los niños (as) se sientan a salvo, seguros y listos para la escuela.

3. Fomenta la Independencia

El kínder es un tiempo adonde los niños (as) desarrollan un sentido de independencia. Motiva a tu hijo (a) para que esté a cargo de responsabilidades pequeñas, como, arreglar su propia mochila o elegir su propia ropa para el día. Estas actividades ayudan para construir una mejor confianza y auto suficiencia, las cuales son muy importantes para obtener el éxito en la escuela. 

4. Preparación Social y Emocional

En adición a las habilidades académicas, la preparación social y emocional es crucial para tener éxito en el kínder. Ayuda a que tu hijo (a) desarrolle estas habilidades sociales preparando momentos en que los niños puedan jugar con otros niños, y anímalos a compartir y que tomen turnos en los juegos. Escoge libros que brinden la oportunidad de hablar sobre sus sentimientos, y en como expresarlos apropiadamente.

Aprende más sobre Criando un Lector, nuestros programas, el impacto y más.

• The First Book Moment – Witnessing a child’s joy when they open their red or blue bag and pull out their first book from Raising a Reader—there’s nothing quite like it! 

• Family Engagement – Seeing families reading together and making it a cherished family routine. 

• Our Amazing Affiliates – Celebrating the strength and dedication of our amazing affiliates and dedicated coordinators who drive our program’s impact. 

• Our Awesome RAR National Team – Our team’s unwavering commitment and passion for changing lives through early literacy. We have had wonderful colleagues over our 25 years, and many still stay in close touch with the RAR family.  

• Diverse Books – Offering books that reflect the wonderful diversity of our world. 

• Seeing Long-term Impact – Meeting adults who were once in the program and now share it with their children or children in their community. 

• Our National Footprint – Reaching children and families in bustling urban centers, expansive suburbs, vibrant rural towns, and inspiring tribal communities across the United States. 

• Radical Collaborations and Partnerships – Working side-by-side with amazing partners, educators, and organizations who are as passionate about early literacy and family engagement as we are. 

• Thoughtful Innovations – Listening to the needs of communities to adapt and scale impact. 

• Heartwarming Feedback – Every note we receive sharing how our books have sparked a child’s imagination. 

• Program Growth – Watching our program expand from a few sites in the San Francisco Bay Area to thousands across the country. 

• Iconic Red Book Bags – Our signature red book bags that kids love and carry proudly. 

• Evidence of Success – The gratifying data showing how much young children are benefitting from our programs. 

• Supporting Libraries – Strengthening the bridge between families and libraries, a critical resource for lifelong learning. 

• Funding Partners – The generosity of our donors and sponsors who believe in our mission and support our growth. 

• Joyful Book Collection – Carefully curated book collection, ensuring every title sparks curiosity, joy, and a love for reading and where all children feel seen.  

• Professional Development – Offering ongoing professional development opportunities, building a community of support for those implementing one of our programs.  

• Dedicated Coaching – Providing hands-on training and support to our Affiliates, ensuring they have the tools and confidence needed to succeed. 

• Supportive Workshops – Giving parents the tools they need to be part of their child’s reading journey. 

• Creating Lifelong Readers – The pride in knowing we help foster lifelong learners. 

• Cultural Celebrations – Incorporating books that celebrate different cultures, traditions, and languages, fostering inclusivity and understanding. 

• Family Testimonials – Hearing stories from families about how Raising a Reader has positively impacted their reading routines. 

• Dedicated Board Members – Celebrating the commitment, generosity, and guidance of our board members who provide strategic direction and support to our mission. 

• Our Visionary Founders – We love to shout out Sterling Speirn and Carol Gray, as key members of the founding team, along with founding partners like San Mateo County Library.  

• Ready Freddy – Celebrating our lovable bulldog mascot, Ready Freddy, who brings smiles, excitement, and a love of reading to children everywhere! 

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Here’s to continuing our shared story of making reading a part of every child’s life! 

As highlighted by Torgerson, through exposure to diverse titles, characters, and perspectives, children gain empathy, expand their language abilities, and learn to express themselves.   

She also provided tips on how to engage in family-shared reading, such as   

reading aloud together, identifying books that inspire and excite children, creating habits that support a reading routine, and providing access to books through resources in the community.   

Raising a Reader is a longtime supporter of Brilliant Detroit and couldn’t be prouder to be featured on the Brilliant Together Podcast debut season. RAR is honored to contribute to this important conversation and to join a community of champions for children and families.  

Listen here. The podcast is also available on Apple and Spotify.  

Implementation and Instructional Quality 

The variance in instructional quality observed within and across sites in the study highlights the importance of consistent, high-quality programming. Raising a Reader’s model, which emphasizes the role of parents and caregivers in building early literacy skills through shared reading experiences, can be a vital component in ensuring uniformity in quality. By equipping families with the tools, resources and strategies to support reading together at home, Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA) Program helps maintain a high standard of learning engagement that complements formal educational programs. 

Attendance and Participation 

Raising a Reader’s SSLA Program’s emphasis on fostering a love for reading through a variety of culturally relevant books and materials can increase enthusiasm for continued participation. By making reading enjoyable and by involving families in the learning process, Raising a Reader’s SSLA Program can ensure more consistent engagement over the summer months. 
 

Academic and Social-Emotional Outcomes 

While the research did not find specific evidence of benefits in language arts and social-emotional outcomes from the summer programs studied, Raising a Reader’s SSLA approach—integrating early literacy with social-emotional learning through stories that reflect diverse experiences—can address this gap. By encouraging discussions, in the home, around books, SSLA not only builds early literacy skills but also supports the development of empathy, emotional regulation, and social skills in the student and families.  

SSLA is designed to activate summer learning in the home and help prepare children for the school year ahead. Through supporting families in reading together over the summer, SSLA directly addresses the critical issue of the “summer slide,” where students lose academic gains made during the school year due to extended breaks from formal education.  

By investing in proven strategies such as comprehensive afterschool and summer enrichment, the Administration not only acknowledges but also financially supports efforts to mitigate learning loss caused by the pandemic and traditional summer breaks. 

Super Summer Learning Adventures complements the federal focus by providing a targeted approach to early literacy and engagement between families and children. It builds home libraries and leverages the out-of-school time to foster a love for reading and continuous learning, which are essential components of the Administration’s broader educational objectives.  

By encouraging routine reading habits and providing access to books and literacy resources, SSLA works to bridge the gap in educational opportunities over the summer, ensuring students return to school ready to learn and succeed. 

The connection between the Administration’s agenda and Raising a Reader’s SSLA program underscores a shared commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through collaboration between government initiatives and community-based organizations. It highlights how strategic investments and support for evidence-based programs can create synergistic effects, amplifying the impact on student achievement and addressing educational disparities exacerbated by the summer slide. This partnership model serves as a blueprint for leveraging federal resources to support and scale local initiatives, thereby accelerating academic recovery and enrichment for children across the nation. 

For more info:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/17/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-improving-student-achievement-agenda-in-2024/

Kristof rightly points out that our children are suffering due to a lack of systemic support, from inadequate childcare and education systems to insufficient health care and safety measures. The statistics he shares, such as the alarming mortality rate of children in the U.S. compared to other wealthy nations, are a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. 

At Raising a Reader, we believe that literacy is the foundation of all learning and a critical component of any pro-child agenda. Literacy empowers children, giving them the tools to thrive in school and life. It is imperative that we not only focus on childcare and poverty reduction but also ensure that every child has access to quality early education, emotional learning, healthy family relationships, learning skills and resources needed to thrive in school and beyond. 

Integral to our mission is our radical collaboration with hundreds of peer organizations, who we work alongside to support thousands of children and families. By working together with these partners, we amplify our impact, ensuring that our elected officials make decisions in support of our young children.  

Kristof’s call for a “million child march” on Washington and the push for candidates to address child welfare issues in this election year align with our mission. We must hold our elected leaders accountable and ensure that children’s well-being is at the forefront of their agendas. 

By investing in our children’s future, we invest in the future of our country. Let’s work together to ensure that every child can thrive and reach their full potential. 

School districts have had and continue to have the herculean task of identifying strategies that can support recovery from the learning loss that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This school year, school districts have a better understanding of just how much educational progress in reading has been lost since 2020 and recognize that a child’s recovery from learning loss can only happen if there is a true partnership between home and school to ensure literacy and learning continues to be supported outside the classroom walls. However, meaningful school-home connections requires time and funding. Luckily, there are several public funding streams that school districts can tap into that include parent involvement and family engagement as an allowable expense, such as pandemic relief dollars and Title 1 funds.  
 

ESSER Funding 

In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act., which created a specific fund, Education Stabilization Fund, to pay for relief and recovery efforts specifically for schools. Additional funds have continued to be allocated to the ESF, which the US Department of Education manages and distributes through several emergency relief programs. One of these programs is the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Several Raising a Reader Affiliates and partners have specifically been able to use the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) to implement all three of our programs as they align with the following allowable expenses: 

• Needs associated with children from low-income families, children with disabilities, English Learners, marginalized groups, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth 
• Family engagement opportunities (to assist parents and families in effectively supporting students) 
• Resources and academic supports for early childhood (Pre-K to 2nd) 
• Summer enrichment programs  
• And more! 

Title 1 Funding 

Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA) provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Each LEA and school assisted with Title  funds is required to ensure effective involvement of parents and family members to support a partnership between school and home. Raising a Reader maps to several of the requirements, including: 

• Provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training, to foster parent involvement 
• Educate teachers and other staff the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school 
• Provide necessary literacy training from funds received under Title I, Part A if the LEA has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for such training; 

• Adopt and implement model approaches to improving parental involvement 

Join us for our upcoming ESSER Webinar: Funding Success for Early Literacy and Family Engagement: ESSR and RAR Programs 

Date: Wednesday, November 29^th  

Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm  PT | 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET 

Description: Learn how Raising a Reader programs align seamlessly with ESSER funding opportunities for schools and organizations. Discover the keys to securing the support you need to bring Raising a Reader to your school or organization.  

Register here 

During the summer, the National Indian Head Start Director’s Association, Zone 1 sites, Raising a Reader, and a generous funder came together to support children learning during the summer to activate summer learning in the home and prepare children for the school year ahead. Together, we enabled 921 children to participate in Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA) program , supporting families to build, practice and grow reading routines with their children.

The journey began during the peak of the pandemic when we partnered with the Tribal Child Care Association of California. Together, we customized Raising a Reader’s SSLA program to cater specifically to tribal communities. The children and families received a specially curated book collection in which they could see themselves reflected in the stories and pages of the book, as identified by a culture committee representing tribal communities across the state.

Ms. Sarah Anderson, a teacher from the Spirit Lake Tribe’s Head Start program, expressed her enthusiasm: “Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures program was a game-changer for our little ones. The materials were engaging and culturally relevant, making learning exciting.  The children and their families loved it!”

A participating parent shared, “I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. It kept my child engaged and connected us through books. This program strengthened my child’s connection to their cultural roots with the special curated Tribal book collection.”

This collaboration showcases the incredible possibilities that can be achieved when organizations unite to support young children and their families. It is a testament to the power of radical collaboration, proving when hearts and minds come together, the impact on children’s lives can be immeasurable. Together, we built bridges and illuminated a path to a brighter future for the children we serve.

 “Collaborations like this one remind us that when we come together, we can create transformative experiences for our children and their families,” said Terri Stringer, Senior Manager National Indian Head Start Directors Association National Indian Head Start Director’s Association.

At Raising a Reader, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking the full potential of our vision that every child has the family support and reading skills they need to thrive.  We work to create a world where every child is read to, every day, fostering a love for books and a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The power of collaboration lies at the heart of what we do, and it plays a crucial role in driving positive change for the children and families we serve. At Raising a Reader, we like to call this Radical Collaboration. 

Collaboration empowers us to effectively bridge systems, supporting the continuum of early learning and strengthening family engagement, all in support of brighter futures for all children. By forging partnerships with schools, libraries, community organizations, as well as national, regional, and local partners, we expand our reach and impact significantly, bringing evidence-based early literacy programs to diverse communities all across the United States. Through these partnerships, we pool resources, share knowledge, and tap into the unique expertise of each collaborator. This collective effort magnifies our impact beyond what we could achieve in isolation. 

The counter argument to collaboration is competition. At times, nonprofits and peer organizations see each other as ‘competition’ or an impediment to meeting their own specific goals and funding needs. While there is a case to made for focus and effectiveness, at the end of day, most programs and services have been developed to address a systemic injustice, that will realistically require a team of focused organizations working together with community to untether. If we focus on the true issue at hand and address systemic inequities together, and with urgency, then the time and investment in collaboration is invaluable.  

Through collaboration, we gain valuable insights and perspectives.  

Our partners bring a wealth of knowledge about the communities they serve, their unique challenges, and their incredible strengths. By listening and learning from each other, we can better tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of each partner. This adaptability ensures that our efforts are not only effective but also culturally relevant and inclusive. Our recent radical collaboration conversations with Read with Malcolm and Worldreader, recognizing the critical importance of diverse books in early literacy and Brilliant Detroit and Little Libraries emphasize the vital role of collaboration in supporting children and their families. 

Collaboration fosters innovation and creativity.  

When diverse minds come together, new ideas emerge that lead to innovative approaches. By staying at the forefront of early literacy and family engagement solutions, we can continuously improve our programs and support of young children, ensuring they have the family support and reading skills they need to thrive.   

Working together amplifies our collective voice, making it easier for communities. 

When multiple organizations unite under a common cause, our efforts become stronger and more influential. We can raise awareness about the importance of early literacy, advocate for supportive policies, and rally critical partners and community collaborators around our mission. Collaboration empowers us to make a broader impact on a systemic level, striving for positive change in society’s approach to early childhood education. If we set aside our jargon and specific organization’s nuanced language and meet in the middle to make things easier for communities and families understand, then together we will actually go farther. We collectively work with community for a greater good, so why wouldn’t fellow nonprofits work together in collaboration?   

Finally, collaboration helps us measure and evaluate our impact better. By collaborating with experts, we can conduct more comprehensive evaluations of our program’s effectiveness. This data-driven approach ensures that our programs are evidence-based and continuously refined to ensure they are meeting the needs of our partners and the children and families we serve. 

Together, we can create a future where every child has the family support and reading skills they need to thrive. Join us in this collective journey, and let’s make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across the United States.