About Our Kids Read
Addressing the literacy crisis through mentorship, diverse books, and community partnerships
Our Mission
To spark the joy of reading in every child through personalized mentorship and access to diverse, culturally relevant books.
The Literacy Crisis
The United States is in the midst of a literacy crisis, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic from 2020 – 2022.
Pre-pandemic literacy rates in African-American, Hispanic and Indigenous communities were already low, sometimes as low as 30-40% (the percentage of 3rd graders who were reading at or above a 3rd grade level).
In our 2022 post-pandemic work, literacy statistics are even more troubling. In many schools across the country, literacy rates in BIPOC communities are currently between 15% - 25% range. Said differently, 75% - 85% of the students are reading below grade level. Truly heartbreaking.
Our Approach
- •One-on-one mentorship with trained Reading Buddies
- •Collection of 400+ diverse eBooks featuring positive representation
- •Virtual Zoom-based reading sessions for accessibility
- •Books selected by children themselves for engagement
Our Story
Founded with the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read
Our Kids Read was born from the recognition that traditional literacy programs often overlook the importance of cultural representation in children's literature. We saw children struggling not just with reading skills, but with finding books that spoke to their experiences and celebrated their identities.
Our Reading Buddy program creates meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that go beyond just improving reading scores. We focus on building confidence, fostering a love of learning, and creating strong connections between volunteers and students that can last a lifetime.
Through partnerships with schools, community centers, and families, we've created a network of support that addresses literacy challenges at their root while celebrating the rich diversity of our communities.
Join Our Mission
Help us create a world where every child has access to books that inspire, educate, and celebrate their unique story.