January 4, 2023
One for the Books Benefit 2023

Learn more about Reading Partners’ national benefit in NYC.
Important COVID-19 information: Our Programs | FAQs | Resources for families
January 4, 2023
Learn more about Reading Partners’ national benefit in NYC.
November 14, 2022
by Maurice Huff
Teaching literacy doesn’t have to be a bore. There are so many ways to get students excited about reading, and one of those is playwriting.
September 20, 2022
Good Morning America reports on a study conducted by the NCES that showed test scores in math and reading hit new lows after the pandemic.
June 6, 2022
by Ally Bush
Nowadays, literacy reaches far beyond traditional reading comprehension. Here are the best ways to empower students in multi-tiered literacy.
June 30, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
We’re shifting our narratives to asset-based language to tell the truth about our students, who are capable, worthy, and full of potential.
May 5, 2021
by Michelle Bowers
Understanding emotions is such an important part of social-emotional growth. Here are some tips for how to navigate emotional learning with kids.
November 10, 2020
by Jaycee Pilpe
Literacy should be empowering Americans in every aspect of life. But, that simply isn’t the case. How do we fix this literacy crisis?
September 2, 2020
Addressing urgent literacy needs during COVID-19 and beyond
The challenges and changes presented by COVID-19 have impacted many aspects of our daily…
May 20, 2020
by Stephanie Wolfe
COVID-19 has exposed inequities across our country. We must address these gaps and work together to find long-lasting and sustainable solutions.
May 13, 2020
by Christine Pannell
While many students are adjusting to new ways of learning in the wake of COVID-19, preexisting educational inequities are leaving millions of others behind.
March 5, 2020
by Kitty Liu
Encourage girls to dream big and reach for the stars.
February 29, 2020
by Kelsey Larsen
These recent #OwnVoices books by authors and illustrators of color offer a uniquely personal experience to the stories and illustrations they share.
February 27, 2020
by Rachel Morgan
Explore culturally diverse books for adults and kids to share and grow together.
November 13, 2019
by Sarah Balcazar
Do you remember the picture books that first brought you joy? The ones that were read to you before you could read, or the ones that sparked your…
October 16, 2019
by Kitty Liu
Building a larger vocabulary can be tricky work for young readers. It often takes consistent repetition and practice to learn new words and…
October 11, 2019
by Stephanie Wolfe
The United Nations named October 11 International Day of the Girl. A day dedicated to highlighting the many successes and challenges that girls…
September 18, 2019
by Lindsay Barrett
Read with kids to build achievement and empathy.
August 14, 2019
by Lindsay Barrett
Do you remember the first book that truly transported you into someone else’s life? What about the first book in which you really saw yourself?…
July 22, 2019
by Luke Soon-Shiong
If you have a reluctant reader, introducing them to a new form of literature like graphic novels can spark an enthusiasm for reading from a new angle.
July 8, 2019
National Summer Learning Week was invented to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy, safe, and educational summer for all children. Here’s some tips on how to participate.
January 31, 2019
by Sarah Balcazar
Conversations about the importance of diversity in children’s literature have been gaining traction over the past decade. The grassroots campaign,…
October 30, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
The premise of the Reading Partners program is simple: pair one student who struggles with reading with one volunteer tutor who delivers…
August 2, 2018
by Khassaundra Whitehead
Reading at grade level by third grade is a key benchmark in a child’s educational trajectory. Research clearly demonstrates that children who cannot read by third grade face significant barriers to continued learning and access to higher education.
June 22, 2018
by Madeline Hatcher
While it’s important to let summer actually be a vacation, it’s also important to keep kids engaged with reading and learning, too! The summer slide is a real threat to everything students accomplish during the year, and taking part in educational activities is a great way to combat that threat.
June 21, 2018
by Katie Priske
This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re highlighting books that tell the stories of female trailblazers in the engineering and STEM. All of the books listed are accessible for our students. These books pair the true stories of different women who led the way in various STEM fields with engaging illustrations, making the books a perfect place to get started discussing women in STEM.
May 17, 2018
by Helen Hope Kimbrough
In March 2014, I encountered a masterful article, Where Are The People of Color in Children’s Books, written by Walter Dean Myers, an American…
May 9, 2018
by Justin Harrison
Moms play a big role in helping kids develop vital early literacy skills. This year, thank your mom for her role in helping you learn to read!
April 26, 2018
by Cody Howard
I sat down with Dan to get an inside view of his experience as a Reading Partners board member and learn more about what Reading Partners has in store for the years ahead.
April 10, 2018
by Rachel Morgan
The movement in response to the early literacy gap among American students presents itself as a promising reminder of the values we hold in common.
April 2, 2018
by Khassaundra Whitehead
To celebrate International Children’s Book Day, we interviewed some of our supporters about their favorite children’s books and why reading matters.
March 29, 2018
by Jenna Philpott
The point of encouraging reading is not to create “stock” readers, but rather to cultivate a joy that comes alive when a child engages with a book.
March 8, 2018
by Katie Priske
In honor of Women’s History Month this March, we’ll highlight books that feature strong women persisting and being brave no matter the obstacle.
February 26, 2018
by Justin Harrison
To celebrate Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ 114 birthday, here are a few of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes and the lessons they taught me.
January 16, 2018
by Katie Priske
Studies show that reading can help kids build developmental skills of emotional intelligence and empathy, enabling our young readers to better connect with other perspectives and human experiences.
January 8, 2018
by Madeline Hatcher
The early literacy crisis has broad and lasting implications for our students and their communities. Join us and be a part of the solution.
December 20, 2017
by Hannah Grace
One of the many benefits of being involved with Reading Partners, whether you are a volunteer, AmeriCorps member, or full-time employee, is working with wonderful students. I asked a few Reading Partners AmeriCorps members and staff to share some stories of students who inspire them, to remind us of the many ways in which our incredible students inspire us every day.
November 29, 2017
by Zanai Wallace
At the beginning of my second term, I met some of the most interesting and insightful people at Reading Partners AmeriCorps Orientation. Now several months later, I contacted some of the new site coordinators to hear about how they feel about their first few months of service with Reading Partners.
November 20, 2017
by Shannon David
This Giving Tuesday—November 28—we’re kicking off a month-long campaign to raise support for early literacy. All donations will support our one-on-one tutoring program in under-resourced schools across the country.
September 25, 2017
by Justin Harrison
Banned Books Week was founded in 1982 as a celebration of the freedom to read, responding to a rise in challenges made against books. Book banning might feel like a thing of the past, but celebrating your freedom to read is just as relevant now as ever.
September 8, 2017
by Justin Harrison
In my vision of a perfect world, a community library would be found on every street corner. In this world, kids would not only have access to free books, but they could find them steps away from their own homes.
September 2, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Literacy is a fundamental skill for lifelong learning. As a child, learning to read and write opens a whole new world of opportunities: You gain a…
August 4, 2017
by Ruth Jackson
Lindsey Wenzel is a children’s book author and reading partner with Reading Partners Colorado. She shares her insights for writing children’s books.
July 25, 2017
by Valeria Garcia
Low literacy levels are often correlated with poor health outcomes and poverty. This crisis affects all of us, but we can take action to change this story.
June 12, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
Common misconceptions about learning to read can create unnecessary barriers for young students. Explore the facts about five common reading myths.
June 7, 2017
by Cody Howard
Looking for ways to nurture summer fun and summer learning? These four children’s books will inspire memorable summertime adventures.
June 6, 2017
by Kate Brown
Within the education community, certain buzzwords are used to describe and explain systematic variance in students’ growth and progress throughout…
April 6, 2017
by Meagan Fong Yit
What is ESSA, and what does it mean for literacy education? ESSA is a bipartisan bill designed to empower each state’s vision of student achievement.
March 23, 2017
by Tatiana Cleveland
Eight useful strategies to captivate young readers no matter their attitudes toward reading, from reading a series to making the library a special treat.
March 22, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Parents and role models can encourage generosity and service in children by modeling compassion, participating in service activities, and teaching about humanity.
January 26, 2017
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Children’s books can be a great way to introduce kids to the Civil Rights Movement. These five titles about equal rights include works of fiction and nonfiction.
November 18, 2016
by Valeria Garcia
A list of diverse children’s books exploring themes of race and cultural awareness that celebrate diversity and spark conversations about race with kids.
November 7, 2016
by Maria McLean
Reading Partners DC convenes thought leaders from DC Public Schools to discuss the impact of tutoring and the importance of the DCPS Empowering Males of Color initiative.
November 4, 2016
by Sarah Westbrook
November is Native American Heritage Month, a great time to consider reading these indigenous authors with the kids in your life.
October 18, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
What happens when +30 of the nation’s premier data-driven programs come together to show what works? The greatest social innovation “science…
September 29, 2016
by Valeria Garcia
Positive parental involvement might mean limiting formal engagement with their children’s education and instead encouraging learning at home.
September 27, 2016
by Sarah Westbrook
Banned Books Week is a celebration of the written word and of the value of curiosity, as well as a chance to learn from discomfort with the unfamiliar.
June 24, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Most children’s books have the power to bring joy to its readers, but did you know that reading can actually have long-term positive effects, too?
June 20, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Summer learning loss can be detrimental to a child’s reading skills. Here are 10 fun ways to incorporate learning into daily life and beat the summer slide.
June 7, 2016
by Virginia Isble
In partnership with Sacramento Gang Prevention and Intervention Taskforce, Reading Partners Sacramento is working to reduce gang activity through literacy.
May 10, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Akshaj Mehta, 10-year-old author of three published books, uses his talent and passion to give back to his local community and help kids learn to read.
May 3, 2016
by Tiffany James
At Moravia Park Elementary School, students are improving their reading skills through the adventures and characters of comic books.
April 21, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Celebrate Earth Day with these great children’s book titles for grades K-7.
April 12, 2016
by Michael Lombardo
The California Golden State Reading Guarantee is a leading example of a forward-thinking approach to K-4 literacy and a model for other states to consider.
April 5, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Literacy skills are vital to understanding STEM concepts and will lead to success across all disciplines.
March 31, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
For Children’s Book Day, walk down memory lane with these 20th century children’s books that are still loved by kids today.
February 25, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Celebrate Read Across America Day with these four Dr. Seuss quotes that tell why reading matters.
February 1, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Start conversations about race and diversity with your kids by reading these children’s books.
January 19, 2016
by Liesl Schnabel
In collaboration with World Bank, Reading Partners Washington, DC provides students with books that emphasize diversity.
November 23, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading Partners students, tutors, and AmeriCorps members share their favorite picture books to celebrate Picture Book Month.
November 9, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading by fourth grade is crucial for future student success. Find out why.
October 30, 2015
Mandatory retention creates large challenges for schools and families and does not have substantial evidence supporting its implementation.
October 29, 2015
Early reading skills are a priority worth investing in.
September 28, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
It’s Banned Books Week, a time to celebrate the freedom to read! Here is a list of five children’s books you probably didn’t know were banned.
September 15, 2015
by Cindy Wilson
We want to know how candidates plan on tackling our biggest educational challenges. #kidsread2016
September 2, 2015
by Michael Lombardo
In order to see America’s schools improve and reach the level of its international competitors, youth literacy must be a priority in all schools.
August 21, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Learn about transitional-kindergarten and what it can do for students.
August 19, 2015
Mobilizing volunteer tutors to improve student literacy.
October 31, 2014
Reading Partners student, Dillon, has the privilege of having two tutors for one! Dr. Ballard is the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and…
March 5, 2014
In Tulsa, Reading Partners teamed up with students in ten local high schools–hosting groups of high school aged volunteer tutors every Friday in…
January 14, 2014
by Sarah Balcazar
Campaigning to boost high school graduation rates
In an effort to boost high school graduation rates, in 2010 President Obama teamed up with U.S.…
December 6, 2013
Editor’s Note: TulsaKids Education Columnist Karen Moult will be sharing her experience with Tulsa Reading Partners. Read below to find out more…
December 6, 2013
Editor’s Note: TulsaKids Education Columnist Karen Moult will be sharing her experience with Tulsa Reading Partners. Read below to find out more about…
October 18, 2013
Leading national literacy program successfully brings high quality program to highest-need schools
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK – October 18,…
October 7, 2013
Politicians find the factoid a pithy way to emphasize the importance of early childhood reading. And journalists find it a convenient lede for stories…
July 23, 2013
This fall, Reading Partners will open its tenth region in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
We are thrilled to announce that this fall Reading Partners will expand…
July 11, 2013
National Literacy Nonprofit Joins Local Effort to Expand
Educational Opportunity in Oklahoma
Oakland, CA—July 11, 2013—National education…