Looking for easy, beach-ready reads? Valerie and Cathy from Blue Willow Bookshop brought four stand-out summer picks perfect for days on the sand or by the pool and four Texas-based books and authors that capture the spirit of the state.

NBC’s Jenna Bush Hager joins Houston Life to chat about setting sail with “Read With Jenna.”

Houston ISD is highlighting areas of strong student gains as preliminary 2026 STAAR results have been released.

Texas students in grades 4–12 can win cash prizes by writing a letter about how a book changed their life.

As America reflects on 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, local author Jamie Jo Hong tells the stories she says history books left out. Why she hopes readers see their own families in the pages of her new book.

Texans hold Reading with the Pros program at J.P. Henderson Elementary

Edmund White, a pioneer of contemporary gay literature, died this week at age 85.

Fort Bend County libraries have been navigating significant network disruptions since February 24, 2025, impacting services like new library card issuance and web access. County Librarian Roosevelt Weeks has confirmed that a cybersecurity incident is behind the issues.

Houston Reads Day 2025 had over 425 volunteers together to read to nearly 17,000 kids across 39 elementary schools. Literacy Now’s Reading Intervention Program helps struggling readers catch up, and Houston Reads Day is a powerful way to bring attention to the issue while giving kids a positive experience with books.

The 5th annual Houston Reads Day is approaching on February 28th. It's a single day for Houstonians to come together to read to students, support Literacy Now's Reading Intervention program, and bring awareness to the literacy crisis in Houston. The day will include over 400 volunteers, 39 Houston area schools participating, 685 classrooms, and 15,000+ Pre-K-5th grade students.

She's the popular co-anchor of TODAY on NBC - Savannah Guthrie! She’s also a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. Her latest children’s book, "Mostly What God Does Is Love You," is set to hit bookstore shelves next week, but first she's introducing the book to Houston families with a special event.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has expressed interest in the Ohio U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

The program is aimed at addressing literacy challenges students face in Channelview ISD by enhancing literacy skills and building a love for reading.

A quaint new bookstore in The Heights you're going to want to check out. From toddler storytime to their new book club, Good on Paper might be the perfect place to start or continue your reading journey. Co-owner Chris Hysinger stopped by with some good reads to look out for in 2025.

Kamala Harris devoted much of her final full day on the campaign trail to reaching Latino voters in Pennsylvania, a swing state that Democrats consider part of their “blue wall” in the Electoral College.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump closed out this year’s presidential race with a fierce battle for Pennsylvania on Monday, making their final pitch to voters across a state that could prove decisive in the campaign for the White House.

Donald Trump is planning to cast his vote on Election Day despite having previously said he was going to vote early.

We all know how important reading books are to help children's early development but statistics show Black and Latino families, especially in the Houston area, still don't have access to books -- which is why a clinic is trying to change that by giving free books to children.

Texans players read to students at elementary school

New York Times best-selling author Dr. Ian Smith is back on Houston Life. You may have read some of his health and nutrition books but did you know he also has a popular, fictional detective series? The fourth installment of the series "Eagle Rock" was just released this month. Watch the player above to find out how to snag your copy and his upcoming book "Eat Your Age."

Whether you're looking for a final summer read, or ready to stock your bookshelf with some new fall favorites, check out 'Lazy Love', which explores relationship dynamics and the importance of active love. #LazyLove #KeionHenderson #Houston #Book

In Reading, Pennsylvania, about two-thirds of the city’s 95,000 residents are Latino.

The classic, beloved character is hiding throughout Houston, including at the KPRC 2 studios! His mission is to get families to search for him at select local businesses. Find out how you can get involved and win prizes.

Find summer reading lists and programs around Houston

Cheri Hutcherson, Lauren Thurman and their families are participants in this year's Braille Across America, the annual event that supports National Braille Press and their efforts to promote braille literacy. Watch the video to learn more about their mission and how braille is empowering blind and visually impaired adults and children -- including Cheri's 13 year old son Will, who is blind.

The Houston-based literacy program “Reading With A Rapper” is launching a new digital platform through a collaboration with Microsoft.

It's National Reading Month and, while reading is essential for young minds, writing gives students a voice. Melissa Williams Murphy with iWRITE joined us with more on its mission to give students a chance to be published authors while building their confidence and communication skills.

Taylor Swift got her singing career started by performing the national anthem at sporting events as a young child and teenager.

Cindy Burnett is a Houston book influencer and host of the "Thoughts From A Page" podcast. She reads about 15 books a month, so it’s safe to say she knows what she’s talking about!

A crane operator has played down tributes paid to him after he lifted a man to safety from a burning high-rise building in England.

Watch as Neil Bush chats about the bronze statue that will serve as the focal point of the Barbara Bush Memorial Garden, named in honor of his mother.

Katy Independent School District’s school board voted to unanimously update and adjust the district’s current book removal policy after several children’s classics, including Dr. Seuss’ “Wacky Wednesday” and “No, David!” by David Shannon were put on the district’s removal list because of nudity.

The Houston Astros Foundation and Reliant Energy have partnered for the second year in a row to stop the “summer slide” that happens too often for elementary students. That’s why they are excited to kick off the “Slide into Summer Reading” program, which encourage students to become “Reliant Readers” during their school break.

Sheathing the 29 posts that circle the community pond with their knitted and crocheted creations, a group of women in a village west of London has recreated the cast of characters set to attend the coronation of King Charles III.

Through a difficult lesson, "Sneaky Sophie" learns the value of doing good things for others

Houston Newsmakers: HPD’s DART team, Houston Area Women’s Center highlighted as October’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month begins

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (Foundation) and its Ladies for Literacy Guild announced on Wednesday the donation of a fourth Curiosity Cruiser to Harris County Public Library, which will hit the streets in October.

Reliant employees are teaming up with the Astros Foundation to give out books, backpacks and other items to students Tuesday.

Sunday, May 15, 2022, kicked off Senior Week for graduating seniors in the Houston Independent School District and we couldn’t let them go out without a great send-off!

Houston Newsmakers: Barbara Bush’s ‘A Celebration of Reading’ event returns for 28th year

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Texas Governor Abbott and officials from other states to proclaim April 23 – 29 as “Disability Book Week,” which will highlight authors worldwide with disabilities. It also includes books that have a leading character with a disability shown in a positive way.

Prince William says he will support and respect whatever decision the people make as Caribbean nations debate their relationship with the British crown.

Bedtime stories are a fond memory many of us have from our childhood, and on the same note, it’s a memory many of us want to give our children, as well.

In recent years, an international team of linguists partnered with Merriam-Webster to analyze a decade’s worth of words.

Houston Newsmakers: Former TSU president gained first-hand knowledge about challenges of racism

COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy may protect babies after they're born and lead to fewer hospitalized infants.

Long winter nights offer a relaxed setting that’s perfect to immerse yourself in a good book!

Britain's Prince William has revealed some of his Christmas favorites in response to questions from children receiving cancer treatment at a London hospital.

Companies with at least 100 workers will be required to give employees paid time off to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and paid sick leave if they have side effects from the shots.

U.S. government advisers will debate Friday if there’s enough proof that a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.

I’m not always the best “get on the floor and play” kind of mom, but any time one of my kids wants to bring me a book, I’ll drop what I’m doing in favor of some cuddles and reading time.

For NBA players, the scenario this season is simple: Get vaccinated or get tested, and often.

COVID-19 deaths and cases in the U.S. have climbed to levels not seen seen since last winter, wiping out months of progress and potentially bolstering President Joe Biden’s argument for sweeping new vaccination requirements.

Providing families with easy-to-use literacy based sensory boxes created by moms and teachers.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he's “anxious” about the rise in the U.K. of the coronavirus variant first identified in India.

Houston Newsmakers: James A. Baker III story headlines Barbara Bush Celebration of Reading

Who doesn’t love “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” (And the polar bear version. And the panda edition!) Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle definitely have that formula down to a science. And well, the classics are the classics for a reason, and most parents can probably agree there will be room for those books on any shelf.

A Libyan man who stabbed three friends to death as they sat in an English city park on a summer evening has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. Judge Nigel Sweeney said on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 that Khairi Saadallah should be given a rare whole-life prison term for the ruthless and brutal attack. (Facebook via AP)LONDON – A Libyan man who stabbed three friends to death as they sat in an English city park on a summer evening was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole. Judge Nigel Sweeney said Khairi Saadallah should be given a rare whole-life prison term for the “ruthless and brutal” attack. Saadallah, who had convictions for offenses including theft and assault, had been released from prison just two weeks before his deadly attack.

(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)GENEVA – (asterisk)(asterisk)EMBARGO UNTIL FIFA RELEASE ABOUT 10:00GMT(asterisk)(asterisk)Female soccer players should soon get their maternity rights protected under new employment rules announced Thursday by FIFA. “The idea is to protect female players before, during and after childbirth,” FIFA chief legal officer Emilio Garcia said on a conference call. The rules are expected to be approved by the FIFA Council next month and would take effect on Jan. 1. “We think these rules are part of common sense,” he said of the move, which follow International Labor Organization standards on compensating maternity leave. At least eight weeks of the 14-week minimum maternity leave must be after the player gives birth.

LONDON – A 26-year-old Libyan man pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday for stabbing three friends to death as they sat in an English city park. Khairi Saadallah admitted to three counts of murder and three of attempted murder for the June 20 attack in Reading, 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of London. James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, were enjoying a warm Saturday evening in the city's Forbury Gardens park when they were stabbed. Each died from a single stab wound. The judge set a sentencing hearing for the week of Dec. 7.

Tottenham Hotspur's Alex Morgan gestures to her teammates during the English Women's Super League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Reading at the Hive stadium in London Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. Morgan came on as a 69th minute substitute, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)LONDON – Supported by her baby daughter in the stands, American superstar Alex Morgan made her debut in English soccer on Saturday. Morgan came on as a substitute in the 69th minute for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw against Reading in the Women’s Super League. She didn't manage to score in her first match in around 15 months, having given birth to Charlie in May.

HOUSTON – Houston is facing a literacy crisis. According to research from the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, one in three Houston-area adults can’t read or write beyond a fourth-grade level. Illiteracy has become a multi-generational issue impacting all areas of the economy, but there is a strategic plan in place to change Houston’s literacy landscape. Nearly 30% of Houston-area third-graders fail to meet the minimum reading standards. The goal is to enrich the lives of more and more Houstonians through the power of literacy.

HOUSTON Deshaun Watson is now an author. The Houston Texans quarterback released his new book, Pass It On: Work Hard, Serve Others ... Repeat," on Tuesday. It talks about succeeding as a leader in seven elements. A statement from the team about the book said Watson writes about everything from his experience as a Texans QB, to nursing his mom through cancer to his journey as a leader while attending Clemson. You can catch Watson and the rest of the Houston Texans play against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night on KPRC 2.

Deeply impacted by recent events, one Florida native has made it her mission to spread messages of love, diversity and inclusion through books.

Access to digital books is so simple, but there’s something unique about physically holding a book when you’re reading, isn’t there?

The value of reading cannot be overstated. No matter how old or young your children are, have you read with them today?