Houston – Since 2006, the local nonprofit Literacy Now has been dedicated to helping children become proficient readers by the end of third grade, an critical milestone in literacy. This Friday, February 28, Literacy Now will bring together more than 400 volunteers to read to over 17,000 students across Houston as part of its 5th annual Houston Reads Day.
Why third grade?
According to Jacklyn Minimah-Wilson, CEO of Literacy Now, being able to be a proficient reader in third-grade is a crucial predictor of future success. Minimah-Wilson says that if children are not reading at grade level by third grade, they are at a significantly higher risk of behavior issues, joblessness, and incarceration later in life. Teachers play an essential role in fostering literacy in school, but parents and the community also have a responsibility.
Houston Reads Day 2025
The goal of Houston Reads Day is not only to engage students but also to raise awareness about Houston’s literacy crisis. Currently, 27% of third graders in the Houston area are not reading at grade level. By raising awareness, Literacy Now hopes to inspire action from educators, parents, and community members. Literacy Now operates a Reading Intervention Program, where staff work one-on-one with students who need extra support. They also provide families with tools to incorporate reading into daily life.
There are several ways to get involved. Probably the easiest is simply reading to children for just 15 minutes a day. It can significantly boost their language skills and literacy development.
Special Guests
There will be special guest readers this year, including former Houston Texan and author, Wade Smith, along with Houston Texans cheerleaders, Toro the Houston Texans mascot, and more. Additionally, Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and other elected officials will also be participating. This year’s event will feature books by local Houston children’s authors. Some lucky students will have the opportunity to meet the authors as they read to select classrooms.
- Pre-K & Kindergarten: The Day I had a Bulldozer by Ashley Wall
- 1st & 2nd Grade: Acire’s Journey to Forgiveness Mountain by Erica Henderson
- 3rd & 4th Grade: Smitty Tackles Bullying by Wade Smith
- 5th Grade: Count on Me by Varsha Bajaj
Volunteer: There are still 28 spots open for Houston Reads Day. As of this writing, there are less than 10 spots available. Click here to sign up!
Donate: Through the Leaders for Readers Challenge, every dollar donated up to $6,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.
Spread Awareness: Encourage parents and caregivers to read with their children daily.
To learn more or to get involved, visit literacynowhouston.org.