Kids Need to Read

Kids Need to Read helps children discover the joy of reading and the power of a literate mind by providing inspiring books and literacy programs to underfunded schools, libraries, and community agencies across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.

Testimonials

Alex Kenzler, Resident Services Specialist, Catholic Charities Community Services, Tempe, Arizona
June 14, 2023, The Page Coach- "Kids Need to Read is an amazing program that I have had the privilege of partnering with. Pirate Captain Ruby Red Lips and Mermaid Tiernnee provide amazing "ocean" themed books for the kids [to take home] and did an amazing job at not only reading but singing & dancing too! Not to mention, [Kids Need to Read] donated high-quality books for our community library and puzzle books for kids. I am looking forward to doing this again soon!"

Margo Kaisara, Teacher, Pan-American Charter School, Phoenix, Arizona
March 28, 2023, The Page Coach -"We were very excited to hear that our donation request had been approved. Then, the books were delivered earlier than promised. The high school students showed some interest at first, but when they helped unpack the boxes and set up the bookshelves their demeanor changed. I overheard the exclamations and joy of seeing old favorites, showing each other the covers of interesting books, asking if they could take one or two books right away, and asking others if they had read the same book… I smiled to myself listening to the excitement build. Thank you all for all that you do to make this happen for Arizona's students."

Kayla Crowe, Social & Emotional Learning Specialist, Peach Springs Unified School District #8, Peach Springs, Arizona
January 30, 2023, The Page Coach- " On behalf of the Peach Springs Unified School District, thank you for the generous donation of books to our Kindergarten through ninth-grade students. Over one hundred budding readers will go on literary adventures, strengthen their skills, and fertilize a love for reading because of this gift.

The attention and care offered to our students is particularly heartwarming. Thank you for being culturally astute and asking about our needs and concerns. I've had the pleasure of reading a few of the new, donated books with a couple of students while they were having a hard moment in their day. When offered the healthy distraction of a story one student sidled up to me and exhaled, visibly becoming more serene with each turned page till she shared a smile and said she was ready to continue her day. Another student, agitated and scowling, was taken aback when I offered him an alluring book for scary stories. He dubiously cracked it open, a few minutes later saying, "This is cool." When I offered that he could keep the book, all the tension in his face and shoulders melted. "Really?!" He read on for a few minutes, self-regulating, till he too was ready to return to class.

The transformative power of reading is taking hold in our school and "kids need to read" is taking on a much deeper meaning. We look forward to continuing to work with Kids Need to Read and sharing our stories with you. Thank you for being a part of our village."