Reach Out and Read

10/16/2026

On Oct. 20, actor, author, and early literacy champion Taye Diggs will be honored with Reach Out and Read of Greater New York’s 2026 Literacy Leadership Award for his contributions to children’s literacy! 📚

Join Greater New York for its annual gala, an evening celebrating early literacy champions and supporting the work that brings books and early literacy guidance to more children and families: reachoutandread.me/RORGNY_2026gala

10/16/2026

A kid who broke his ankle 3.5 million years ago got to grow up, all because someone helped. 🦴💕

Don’t miss his story on the , where human-fossil detective (AKA paleoanthropologist!) Jeremy DeSilva of Dartmouth explains how compassion helped our ancestors survive. Offering up a hard-earned meal to feed little mouths is an ancient strategy, carried on now by caregivers who sacrifice in many ways, including the commitment to read together and help young minds grow.

Listen and share with someone in your village: reachoutandread.org/podcast.

10/14/2026

If your child gravitates toward silly stories, let them! Humor is the top characteristic children look for when choosing books, according to Scholastic.

Funny books can strengthen reading comprehension, help children see that mistakes are part of learning, and make reading an activity they want to return to. When a story gets your child laughing, their favorite characters and jokes can give them even more reasons to keep reading. 📚😂

Everyone could use a bit more humor in their lives! Discover the benefits of funny children's books and how to pick the best ones for your child.

10/14/2026

No tricks needed: Sharing a book is a treat all on its own. 🍂📚

This National Book Month, try a story about pumpkins, friendly monsters, or a special interest your child can’t stop talking about. Sometimes, the best part of storytime is seeing what catches their attention and sparks their love of reading and learning.

What books will you read together this month?

10/13/2026

Shared reading can bring comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging, especially during uncertain times. That's what inspired Books for Neighbors, our work to support Minnesota families — now a finalist for The Anthem Awards !

When families in the Twin Cities faced disruptions to their daily lives this winter, Reach Out and Read National and Reach Out and Read Minnesota joined forces to find another way to reach them. Working with trusted community organizations, we helped bring 10,000 multilingual books and caregiver materials directly to families sheltering in their homes.

Now, we need your help! Celebrate the power of community partnerships and the joy of reading by voting by Oct. 29: reachoutandread.me/VoteBooksForNeighbors.

Join me in celebrating the impact of this Anthem Awards finalist.

10/13/2026

Tomorrow’s leaders start as children who feel heard, think for themselves, and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Reading together helps children build the confidence to speak up and share their ideas. ❤️📚

10/12/2026

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with stories that honor Native voices, cultures, and traditions. 🌿📚

From caring for the environment to celebrating family, community, and belonging, these children's books introduce young readers to Indigenous cultural celebrations and the connections between generations. 💙

Amplify Indigenous voices with these stories, hand-picked to celebrate the rich cultures and resilient communities native to the United States.

10/12/2026

A difficult childhood doesn't have to determine a child's future.

In a recent episode of the Nemours Children's Health podcast Well Beyond Medicine, Dr. Robert Sege discusses how positive experiences and strong relationships can help protect children from the effects of early adversity, build resilience, and support lifelong health. 💛🎧

Childhood adversity can affect health for a lifetime, but it does not have to define a child’s future. Robert Sege, MD, PhD, FAAP, Director, HOPE (Health Outcomes From Positive Experiences) National Resource Center, explores how positive experiences and supportive relationships can help children h...

10/09/2026

Who knew folding laundry could be a language lesson?

Describing what you're doing, singing a favorite song, or asking your child to tell you about their latest creation can all help build communication skills.

Parents explores seven ways to encourage language development through the conversations, play, and routines already happening daily at home. 🗣️

Supporting your child’s language development doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent. Here are seven expert-back strategies to help your child become a confident communicator at every stage.

10/09/2026

A child's love of reading often begins in the lap of someone they love. 📚

There's something special about watching a child fall in love with a story and knowing that, for them, you're part of it too.