Celebrating Literacy Through Community and Connection
Each school year, The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) celebrates World Read Aloud Day and Read Across America Week by supporting educators and classrooms with fun, engaging literacy programs. These initiatives connect volunteers and community members with students through shared reading experiences and book donations.
In 2024–2025, these literacy celebrations made a profound impact across San Antonio, the Texas Panhandle, Central Texas, West Texas, Houston, Dallas, Eastern Colorado, Silver Spring, Maryland, Alpharetta, Georgia, Arvin and Los Angeles, California, Middleton, Michigan, Washburn, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.
Thanks to the generous support of our foundation and corporate partners, TLRN reached 447 educators and classrooms that impacted 9,989 students across 59 schools, distributing 7,201 books. Together, we read 449,505 minutes, igniting a love of reading and storytelling among students from all backgrounds.
Stories from the Literacy Fellowship: World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day, founded by LitWorld, is a global celebration that champions the power of reading aloud and sharing stories. TLRN’s Literacy Fellowship members brought this celebration to life by organizing student-led reading sessions, community volunteers reading and giving kids books, and culturally inclusive read-alouds that taught elementary students Spanish and American Sign Language.
“World Read Aloud Day was such an exciting day for me! Reading and sharing the book Between the Lines was empowering. It was very warming for my heart to hear how our youth is the GOOD in today's world!” — Shuamay Gale, Springfield Elementary, Springfield, CO
“I had the incredible joy of watching my students take full ownership of World Read Aloud Day from start to finish. They practiced, prepped, and then stepped into classrooms where they brought stories to life, creating meaningful moments of connection through reading. Afterward, we reflected as a class, unpacking the experience and all the lessons it had to offer. From planning to execution to reflection, it was a full-circle learning experience—one that reinforced not just the power of storytelling, but the heart of teaching itself.” — Lacee Ratcliff, Tascosa High School’s Tascosa Future Educators, Amarillo ISD
“World Read Aloud Day was so much fun! I was able to read, create music, and give away books with Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Grade students!” — Karen Takacs, Bivins Elementary, Amarillo ISD
“World Read Aloud Day with my 2nd graders was such a joyful experience. We welcomed guest readers who brought stories to life in the most engaging ways, capturing my students’ imaginations. The kids were completely captivated. It was heartwarming to see their excitement for storytelling and how it sparked their curiosity. The day reminded us all of the power of reading to connect and inspire. Watching my students so eager to listen and learn was a highlight.” — Olivia Moctezuma Sellinger, Lakeview Elementary, Canyon ISD
“World Read Aloud Day was incredibly special for my 4th graders… My students had the unique opportunity to read I Am Able to Shine to kindergarteners. They not only read the story but also taught daily affirmations, creating a beautiful moment of connection and empowerment.” — Claudia Lobato, Sylvia Mendez CREW Leadership Academy, Dallas ISD
“I loved sharing the book giveaway with my colleagues. They were so excited to be part of the WRAD project and share with their students the books and activities.” — Veronica Heredia, Windsor Village Elementary, Houston ISD
Read Across America: More Than Just a Week
Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America aims to inspire literacy and bring communities together through books. TLRN educators used this opportunity to create joyful, student-centered reading activities that reached beyond the classroom walls.
“My students absolutely loved reading Elephant and Piggie! They were so engaged, and it sparked conversations with their families too.” — Susie Hernandez, Glenoaks Elementary School, Northside ISD
“We celebrated our librarian with a read-aloud of Painting a Story and presented her with a copy and handmade cards. We also joined Midway Reads, where students met local authors, got free books, and participated in fun literacy games.” — Terron Rivas, Hewitt Elementary, Midway ISD
“I planned an extensive Read Across America Week for our school. I planned a spirit week where students dressed up each day. We did buddy reading, secret readers, and a book tasting during lunch.” — Reshelle Abdul-Malik, Amana Academy, Fulton County ISD
“The kids enjoyed all the books and teachers loved being able to do the read aloud and give their students the book. I had a few parents tell me that their child was excited to read the books at home and share with their family.” — Veronica Saenz, M.L. King Academy, San Antonio ISD
Why It Matters
These reading celebrations aren’t just dates on a calendar—they represent a growing movement to foster a culture of literacy in schools and communities. Through TLRN’s efforts, educators and student leaders are creating spaces where all students, especially those in Title I schools, have access to high-quality books, rich literacy instruction, and opportunities to build confidence and leadership through reading.
Together, we’re working to ensure every student becomes a motivated, joyful, and confident reader.
Get Involved: Join the Movement for Literacy
📚 Educators: Want to bring projects like these to your classroom?
Join the Literacy Fellowship to receive support, books, and access to a community of passionate literacy advocates.
🧡 Students: Ready to be a leader in your school and community?
Apply to become a Student Ambassador and make a difference through service and literacy.
💌 Donors and Supporters: You can help us reach even more educators and classrooms.
Join our Lead and Read Circle or make a one-time donation to support educators, student leaders, and book access for students across the country.
