Lead to Read KC

Gabe Olsen from HNTB, has been a Reading Mentor since 2018 and says “I learned over the first couple of years that even on days when I’m busy and stressed, I’m so glad that I took the break to go meet with my kiddo 100% of the time. It’s just plain fun!” Read our latest volunteer spotlight at leadtoreadkc.org/plain-fun to learn how Gabe keeps his students engaged and makes it so fun!

Curious why several of the 32 books/series in Lead to Read KC's Book Battle are graphic novels? According to a 2023 survey from the National Literacy Trust, children who read graphic novels in their free time are twice as likely to enjoy reading more overall and rated themselves good readers compared to those who did not read graphic novels. Help spark a lifelong love of reading by putting high-interest books in home libraries. Pledge and donate today at https://lnkd.in/g69TXife.

Lead to Read KC is honored to welcome entrepreneur and Ruby Jean’s Juicery founder Christopher Goode as a member of our author team! We're kicking off this exciting new partnership with an interactive read-aloud of his children's book Ruby Jean's Garden on Saturday, October 26. Find event details at leadtoreadkc.org/events and learn more about Goode at leadtoreadkc.org/media.

A huge thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City for supporting Kansas City Reads! Your generosity and commitment help make this event possible. We appreciate your partnership! ?? There's still time to be a sponsor! Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/g3Kj_cuU.

Through their partnership with Lead to Read KC, the employees at HNTB’s Kansas City office gain lasting benefits in their lives. “You receive as much joy from these 8 and 9-year-olds as they are getting from you. Sometimes, it’s a great reminder to not take life too seriously," said Dan Ferguson, Senior Brand Manager at HNTB and Reading Mentor. Learn how HNTB encourages their employees to get involved and why they're committed to helping boost literacy rates in the city in our latest corporate partner spotlight at https://lnkd.in/gCkW8Q5D.

We’re now halfway through Book Battle 2025, and the Enchanted Eight have been chosen! High-interest books are key to getting kids across Kansas City excited to read, so let’s make sure these popular titles make it into their home libraries. Pledge and donate by the end of the week at https://lnkd.in/g69TXife! Which books will make the Fairy-Tale Four? Share your predictions in the comments and check back next Monday to find out! ?? Pete the Cat books by James Dean and Kimberly Dean ?? Who Would Win? books by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster ?? Marvel Entertainment books by various authors ?? Dog Man Books by Dav Pilkey ?? Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman and Loveis Wise Illustration & Designs ?? You Can Be a Good Friend by Taraji P. Henson and Paul Kellam ?? Hombre Perro books by Dav Pilkey ?? Lion's Water by Sheila Ngonzi Hackbarth, Angela Rue and Majken Bullard

All our partner schools will go on Spring Break at various times during the next three weeks. If you're unsure about the status of your Reading Session, please check with your Site Coordinator.

For 15 weeks, elementary students across the city have read 15 minutes a day as part of the 15 and Mahomies Foundation’s Read for 15 initiative. With support from Lead to Read KC, they’ve been encouraged through assemblies, free books, and giveaways. Now, nearly 3,000 students are about to experience the ultimate reward—an exclusive Reading Rally with Patrick Mahomes at the T-Mobile Center! This high-energy event will feature Patrick reading an empowering children’s book, sharing the importance of reading, and answering student questions. As we put the finishing touches on this incredible event, thanks to sponsor Kiewit, relive last year’s rally at https://lnkd.in/gCqzhnjZ.

Students at Brookside Charter School have a new space to learn and discover, and thanks to Kiewit’s Kansas City sponsorship, the STEAM Lab Library is full of books to fuel their imaginations. Kiewit employees and Lead to Read KC volunteers added stickers and organized books onto the proper shelves for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics topics. Lots of creativity for future success!

By now you've probably seen this fantastic work by local artist, muralist and designer Katie L. of KC Murals, which is the visual centerpiece of Lead to Read KC's upcoming business breakfast, Kansas City Reads, presented by Hallmark Cards. We wanted to take a moment to shout-out this fabulous former teacher for her beautiful work and support of our mission. Her 10 years as a muralist have been defined by bright and colorful designs that bring joy to spaces across the Midwest. We also want to recognize nonprofit SprayKC, Inc. for generously sponsoring Katie's work. This nonprofit helps showcase great artists in the area and works to inspire people through art around the city. For more on the April 24th event, go to leadtoreadkc.org/kcreads.