Reading Is Fundamental is kicking off the new year with even more books and literacy resources for more children! As we wrapped up a challenging 2021, RIF found new and innovative ways to put books in the hands of kids across the country. We also launched our Rally to Read 100 campaign to encourage and inspire children to read with resources, incentives and read-alouds by notable authors and illustrators. RIF is looking forward to partnering with families, corporate partners, volunteers, community partners and others in the exciting year ahead to ensure every child has books and the opportunities reading provides. 

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we're celebrating his life and legacy in bringing healing and hope to America. He embodied the values of leadership, courage, truth, justice, compassion, and service, which are all important values to spark discussions with young readers. Discuss ways to contribute to the community near and far and take some time to appreciate those, like Martin Luther King Jr., who inspired others to serve and sacrifice. Inspire the young readers in your life with books and activities in our Martin Luther King Jr. Book Collection as we celebrate his memory and legacy on January 17, 2022. 

View the Collection

RIF's Matching Grant Program is Back

We’re excited to share that RIF is launching its Matching Grant program, accepting applications online from January 31 through February 21, 2022. The RIF Matching Grant program is open to all schools and youth-serving organizations and enables RIF to match dollar-for-dollar local budgets to bring RIF programs to local communities including our Books for Ownership, Read for Success, and/or Skybrary. We invite you to review the program requirements and grant application at www.RIF.org/grants.

To celebrate Black History Month, RIF is excited to hear from your students about what books inspire them from Black authors and illustrators or that honor the Black experience. You’re invited to download the “My Book is Amazing” activity sheet. After completing this activity with your students, please select a few favorites or share all of them by sending photos or scans to us at LiteracyNetwork@RIF.org. RIF will be selecting some of these book recommendations to share online with our followers throughout Black History Month! 

Rally to Read

January's Theme: Adventure 

As we begin a new year, it is the perfect time for some new adventures. That is why our January Rally to Read theme is Adventure. We are thrilled to have acclaimed author and illustrator, Don Tate, read the book he illustrated, Black All Around!. In this lively, poetic celebration of the color black, a young girl experiences the wonder and joy of all the black objects found around her. 

Watch the Read-Aloud

Give Us Your Thoughts 

RIF is so happy to have your participation in our first Rally to Read 100 initiative. Now, we want to hear from you! As we plan for next year’s initiative, it is important that RIF brings you more of what you want and need to engage and motivate your students to read! Take a few minutes to share your survey response before January 26th! 

Take the Survey

Save the Date for the Reading Inspires! Webcast Special Event 

Our first Rally to Read 100 campaign will culminate in a reading extravaganza on Read Across America Day, March 2, 2022 and we want you and your class to be a part of it! Don’t miss amazing read-alouds from renowned authors like Chelsea Clinton, Sandra Boynton and her son, Keith, and Dr. Monica Brown. Register to join our Reading Inspires! webcast today. 

Join the Reading Inspires! Webcast

And don’t miss this inspiring message from Rally to Read supporter and RIF friend, National PTA President Anna King.

Opportunity to Receive a Free Children’s Magazine

Calling all families: RIF and The Week Junior have partnered together to bring the gift of reading and learning to children across the country. Through the generous donation from The Week Junior, sign up now to receive 1 FREE, 6-month subscription to this fun, fascinating current events magazine geared towards children ages 8-14. The magazine will be delivered directly to families each week (that’s 25 issues total) starting early 2022. Please note: Available while supplies last. Limit 1 sign-up per household. Learn about The Week Junior and share this opportunity with the families in your life.

5,000 Diverse Stories Donated

A BIG thank you to Penguin Random House and its partner authors for their generosity and support of RIF. Through our partnership, 5,000 books are being donated to kids in communities across the country, opening doors to imagination and possibility! RIF is committed to driving positive impact and change through the power of great diverse stories like these.

eBook Learning in the New Year

Help young readers start the new year off right by setting reading resolutions and suggesting books to motivate and inspire good reading habits. A great way to start is to use Skybrary, RIF's digital library. There are hundreds of narrated and animated eBooks to engage young and curious minds. This month RIF recommends The Most Magnificent Thing to share with students that it’s okay to make mistakes and that hard work and dedication always pays off. 

SIGN UP AND TRY SKYBRARY FREE FOR 30 DAYS

Thank you for Supporting RIF

Thanks to you and thousands of fellow supporters, we exceeded our $50,000 End-of-Year Fundraising Goal and will be able to provide thousands of children with their first book, help rebuild libraries in local communities, open a world of possibilities to a bright future and so much more. Thank you for making our work possible!

Support RIF Today

We see the positive impact of Reading Is Fundamental through the stories you provide and we love to hear from you. We want to hear how RIF has impacted you or a child in your life. Please email your story and photos to us. Thank you in advance for sharing!

Share Your Story

Reading Is Fundamental is proud to partner with Macy’s. To regularly receive these communications, please sign up on Literacy Central and be added to our list!

Share us on your social media platforms!