March 9, 2023
Your brain on books
by Ally Bush

From identifying a letter to decoding a word to understanding a sentence, this is what happens in your brain when you read.
Important COVID-19 information: Our Programs | FAQs | Resources for families
March 9, 2023
by Ally Bush
From identifying a letter to decoding a word to understanding a sentence, this is what happens in your brain when you read.
March 2, 2023
by Gabrielle Loue
From the book fairies of Italy to the annual “reading holiday” in Sweden, the world loves to celebrate reading. Here are eight literary traditions from around the world.
November 14, 2022
by Brettin Fox
The science of reading is a hotly contested, yet deeply important topic. Here’s our understanding about the science of reading.
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.
November 17, 2021
by Sam Stockley
This month, we have highlighted children’s books that speak of the strength of Indigenous people in the face of adversity.
October 27, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
Some educators and parents may be tempted to dismiss audiobooks as “cheating.” But they can actually aid in the development of key literacy skills.
October 8, 2021
These books uplift the Hispanic/Latinx experience and center on stories of immigration, dreamers, hope and resilience.
July 16, 2021
by Rebecca Jordan
Literacy has decreased worldwide in the past few years. Luckily, there are ways to to spark a passion for reading in your child.
May 6, 2021
by Clarence Say
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Panda Cares helped us create a booklist honoring AAPI culture through food.
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.
April 29, 2021
by Nemanja Demic
As we come to the end of National Poetry Month, let’s bring some newer, more diverse poetry books into our hearts, homes, and schools.
April 12, 2021
by Jaycee Pilpe
As teachers, tutors, and mentors, we have the unique opportunity to broaden the worldview of the children in our lives simply by reading together.
March 25, 2021
by Clarence Say
How are stories of the AAPI experience are being told? These books celebrate diverse AAPI cultures, communities, and people.
March 15, 2021
Representation matters. For Women’s History Month, we’ve crafted a booklist celebrating empowering and inspirational female characters.
March 1, 2021
by Nemanja Demic
In honor of Read Across America Day, we invite you to read across the United States with this list of the most popular children’s books by state.
February 12, 2021
by Davita Louie
In honor of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in China, here are the books that still line the shelves of my childhood bedroom back home.
February 11, 2021
by Christine Pannell
Local authors reflect their communities in their stories. When authors share an identity with their readers, reading their stories can be magical.
February 10, 2021
Adeola Whitney, the CEO of Reading Partners, joined Pedro to talk about the importance of Black History Month reading and teaching children through books.
February 8, 2021
by Cecilia Herrera
Three of our Seattle colleagues set out to learn more about the diversity of Africa. The Africa Research Project is the final product of their exploration.
January 28, 2021
by Rebecca Jordan
The science is clear: reading with children can boost their emotional competency. Here’s why you should read together (plus some books to get you started.)
November 18, 2020
by Veronica Ferris
The underrepresentation in children’s book characters is alarming. Kid’s books should reflect our differences instead of limiting them to a single story.
November 13, 2020
by Cecilia Herrera
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we took a dive into bilingualism, Native American languages, and children’s books that highlight both.
October 28, 2020
by Ally Bush
One day, Bombo drops a torta in a bucket full of radioactive goo. Will he be able to save the city from doom? Find out in this read-aloud of Super Torta!
October 22, 2020
by Ally Bush
October brings spooky stories, falling leaves, and pumpkins galore. Here are some Autumn-themed books to share with your child this year.
October 15, 2020
Read these 9 democratic books with your kids to inspire conversations about civic engagement during the 2020 presidential election cycle.
October 2, 2020
by Cecilia Herrera
During Hispanic Heritage Month, I recommend books that specifically honor Afro-Latinx culture, harkening back to my early memory reading Cuentos de Apolo.
September 28, 2020
by Ally Bush
In honor of banned books week, we want to go back to the 1600s and look at where it all began. Here’s what I learned about the history of banned books.
September 25, 2020
by Amber Meade
Comics sometimes have a stigma of being ‘not true literature.’ But it really doesn’t matter what a child is reading, so long as it excites them.
September 10, 2020
by Nemanja Demic
Seattle is home to many up-and-coming authors, as well as a few staples of the literary world. These 5 Seattle authors are slaying the literary game.
August 5, 2020
by Ally Bush
In celebration of Book Lover’s Day, we assembled a list of some of our favorite reads of the past decade, spanning 2010-20.
June 15, 2020
by Britani Graves
These few simple tricks will ensure that the time spent practicing literacy skills will have optimal impacts on your kids’ development.
June 11, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
The world is stressful right now. One way for kids to cope is to read. This booklist can help kids better understand their feelings now and into the future.
May 1, 2020
by Nemanja Demic
Many of today’s books provide representation of diverse experiences. Here are seven gems I wish I had gotten to read when I was a kid.
April 24, 2020
by Ally Bush
The power of a good poem can help make reading a reality for young kids. Here are a few ways poetry helps kids improve their reading skills.
April 22, 2020
by Shea Krause
With many schools closed, libraries are critical for families now more than ever. Here are some great library resources for kids, teens, and adults.
April 10, 2020
by Darin Wong
Happy National Poetry Month! Darin Wong, AmeriCorps site coordinator, writes about why he loves poetry and why you should too.
April 3, 2020
by Ally Bush
From literacy activities, to engagement tips, and virtual read alouds, Reading Partners seeks to make literacy skill building at home as easy as possible.
March 26, 2020
by Ally Bush
When bookstores and libraries are temporarily closed, what happens when we run out of books? Here are five alternative ways to get new reading material.
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.
February 27, 2020
by Hadya Amin
Along with educational progress and professional success, reading impacts our brains in some surprising ways that can benefit both kids and adults.
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…
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.
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.
April 19, 2018
by Andrew Kowal
If you are a teacher, a parent, or an older sister or brother, the best thing to do is to find writers that shake-up the boring, expected forms of poetry, and read them to a child in your life. If you aren’t sure where to start, here is a brief round-up of some exciting books of poetry for children, with a sample from each.
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.
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.
August 23, 2017
by Cody Howard
Even experienced tutors get back to school jitters. Learn our top tutor tips to engage students from day 1.
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 18, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
These children’s books with food themes are each paired with a yummy recipe and are best enjoyed while munching on a delicious snack.
June 27, 2017
by Hannah Grace
Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new book. Check out our summer reading suggestions for tutors, from kidlit to adult nonfiction.
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.
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 15, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
Reading these powerful female writers reminds us where we find hope and how to locate ourselves in the array of human experience.
March 8, 2017
by Valeria Garcia
Honor International Women’s Day by learning about five famous women who changed history through their bravery in challenging the status quo.
March 1, 2017
by Cody Howard
Helen Hope Kimbrough, Reading Partners Charlotte’s community program manager, has written and self-published three books for kids.
February 17, 2017
by Kate Brown
Did you know that many US presidents loved to read? Celebrate President’s Day with this list of presidents who supported reading while in the White House.
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.
December 21, 2016
by Sarah Westbrook
This list of New Year’s resolutions, from reading a new genre to joining a book club, are perfect for book lovers to recommit to reading all year.
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 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.
September 7, 2016
by Alex Woodhouse
Tips on how to decorate and situate a reading space that will encourage kids’ love of reading.
June 23, 2016
by Jenny Kellard
Celebrate all the classic summer-time adventures with these children’s books, and help get some summer reading in at the same time.
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.
March 21, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Use these tips to help encourage your kids to develop their independent reading skills.
February 23, 2016
by Jenny Kellard
Follow these 6 steps for reading aloud and your home will become an environment for reading success.
December 7, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Use these simple strategies to help build your child’s foundational reading skills before even entering kindergarten.
October 14, 2015
by Martin Berk
Parents can help their kids increase reading fluency by applying these easy, at-home strategies.
September 1, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
These five at-home reading strategies will help kids learn to read and will help parents support their kids through the learning process.
June 18, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Searching for the right book to excite an apprehensive summer reader? Here’s a list of book ideas to get you started.
April 1, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Learn how to help kids go beyond finding the literal meaning of a text to making inferences based on life experiences and clues given throughout the text.
February 10, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Going from learning to read to reading for meaning is a critical step for young readers. Learn how to help kids through this process by asking literal questions.
May 27, 2014
by Sarah Balcazar
Beat the “summer slide” by incorporating these fun reading activities into your summer routine.
December 3, 2013
Reading is not only one of the life’s greatest joys, it is also one of the most important skills a child can develop in their lifetime. The…