If reading aloud could change the world, how soon would you start?
If reading aloud could change the world, how soon would you start?
Summer Reading Program 2026
Get over 250 book recommendations in the 2026 Reading List!
Read Aloud. Transform their Future.
Since 1995, Read Aloud America has been on a mission to reawaken a love for reading in adults and children. In addition to community outreach and dynamic resources, our innovative program, the Read Aloud Program (RAP), brings the joy of reading aloud into the home, inspiring a desire to read and transforming families’ lives. Our unique approach has impacted over 350,000 adults and children. Because we believe that the joy of reading aloud is the key to building strong families, preparing successful students, and setting the stage for a promising future, we are committed to building a nation of lifetime readers.
Read Aloud. Transform their Future.
A Nation in Need
Can you imagine a future in which America is a nation of non-readers? That reality may not be far away. Present-day challenges signal a rally cry to get back to the fundamental activity that builds lifetime readers: reading aloud to children.
Limited resources
Across America, 20% of kids aged 5-8 don’t own their own books. In middle-income areas, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, while in low-income areas, it’s 1:300. 61% of low-income families have no books for their kids.
Digital distractions
Most parents report that their children’s interactions with digital devices interfere with reading. Lack of interaction with printed books is damaging social interactions between parents and children.
Weakened home-school bridge
Rising tensions, over-burdened teachers, and restrictions brought on by COVID-19 have weakened the home-school bridge. As a result, parents and teachers struggle to fully meet children’s needs.
Struggling readers
80% of those living below the poverty level aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade. Not only that, but 65% of American fourth graders don’t read at grade level. Reading aloud to young children can prevent or lessen such struggles.
Unprepared Kindergarteners
Data suggests that around 25% of caregivers never read to their children. Compared to these children, those whose parents read aloud 5 books per day hear 1.4 million more words by the time they reach Kindergarten.
Fewer graduates
Studies show that when children show low reading proficiency by the end of third grade, they are less likely to graduate high school. Reading aloud to young children strengthens reading proficiency, which then boosts graduation rates.
The Read Aloud America Solution
Reading aloud to children is proven to be the “single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading” (Becoming a Nation of Readers, 1985). If we want to change the current landscape and transform the future, then reading aloud must be part of the solution.
That’s why Read Aloud America is dedicated to supporting families’ abilities to make reading aloud a regular, joyful activity. We believe, and research supports, that reading aloud to children will cultivate lifetime readers and give promise to our nation’s future.
The fact is, when families read aloud together, they strengthen these fundamental building blocks for success in school – and in life:
Cognition
Language
Communication
Family Bonds
The Read Aloud Program
For over 20 years, Read Aloud America’s Read Aloud Program (RAP) has inspired lifetime readers and bonded families. RAP is a festive, school-based program that immerses families through the joy of reading. RAP is intentionally designed to put families at ease. Within a festive atmosphere, whole families enjoy interactive games and read aloud experiences. Because of RAP, not only are more families reading together, but more adults and children are reading independently, too.
Build Your Lifetime Reader
Experience the Joy of Reading Aloud
Each month, we explore a new topic to help parents experience the joy of reading aloud with their kids. Whether we take a deep dive on tips for encouraging reluctant readers, announce new studies, or review wonderful books, we are dedicated to providing parents, teachers, and advocates the best information available, so that we all can work together to transform our kids’ futures through reading aloud.
How to Get Your Child into Reading this Summer [FREE Download]
Summer should feel like freedom, filled with long days, sunshine, and a break from school routines. But for many parents, the break from school routines comes with a summertime hazard: the slippery slope down the summer slide. You’ve heard all the warnings from schools: read 20 minutes per day! Visit
Best Books for Kindergarten and First Grade
Finding the perfect read-aloud for emerging readers, particularly Kindergarten and first grade, can feel surprisingly tricky. Children in this age range might just be learning how to put together letter sounds or they might be reading confidently on their own, and anything in between. Regardless of their ability, reading aloud
Take the READ Great Books Family Challenge
Do you ever watch your child zoned out in front of a screen, eyes glazed, hours slipping away, and wish you could turn back time? Like so many parents, you dread how screens steal time from reading, imagination, and real family connection. You want your kids to love books again,
For the Love of Reading
