Black Kids with Reading Initiatives

The idea that Black kids don’t read is impacting how we view reading as a culture. Because reading is vital to school success, and ultimately career success, we have to embrace reading as desirable. Here are some examples of Black kids who are making reading cool. Share these with your kids and then download our free book and activities to get started changing the view of reading in your home.

In November 2015, Dias launched a campaign called #1000BlackGirlBooks. Her goal was simple: collect and donate 1,000 books that feature black girls as the main character. Today, Dias has accumulated more than 9,000 books and has landed a book deal of her own. Read More

Sidney Keys III has always loved to read. But at his school library, the 11-year-old noticed a void of books about kids like himself. So he started Books n Bros, a book club for 8- to 12-year-olds who get together in the St. Louis area and read -- about stuff they really want to read about. Read More

Inspired by her younger cousin’s lack of interest in reading, Journi Prewitt initially created the Black Butterfly Beautiful box in 2017 to get young Black girls excited about reading new books. The monthly subscription box featured a children’s book written by a Black author and other products created by African-American entrepreneurs including toys and treats that were all centered around a monthly theme. Read More

In a two-year span, Daliyah has read 1,000 books, including some college-level texts. She’s not stopping, though. The pre-k student ultimately wants to reach 1,500 books before starting kindergarten. Daliyah was rewarded for her scholarly achievements with a trip to the Library of Congress in January. Read More