Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental

About This Episode

What happens when reading becomes joyful, musical, and deeply interactive? In this episode of Reading Inspires, Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Eric Litwin, the award-winning author of the original Pete the Cat books, about helping children build a lifelong relationship with reading.

Eric shares how his experience as a classroom teacher led him to create books built around call-and-response, repetition, movement, humor, and prediction. They discuss why playful language and human connection matter so much for early literacy, how families can turn everyday routines into songs and chants, and why reading instruction works best when children experience both strong foundations and genuine joy.

What You’ll Learn

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Summary

Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang are two of the most beloved and influential voices in children's literature. In this episode of Reading Inspires, they talk about the stories, characters, and experiences that help young readers discover friendship, hope, belonging, resilience, and the confidence to find their own voices.

Kate DiCamillo is a two-time Newbery Medal winner and the author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Flora & Ulysses. Kelly Yang is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Front Desk series, New from Here, Finally Seen, Finally Heard, and Parachutes. Together, they reflect on the power of children's books to help readers see themselves, understand other people, and recognize what stories can make possible.

Show Notes

Reading Inspires is a podcast from Reading Is Fundamental about the people and ideas helping children discover the joy and power of reading.

Summary

Grace Bastidas joins Reading Inspires to talk about the stories, books, and cultural traditions that shaped her as a reader—and how she is passing those gifts on to her own children. Grace is a journalist, speaker, parenting expert, and the former editor in chief of Parents.

Drawing on her Colombian heritage and experience raising bilingual children in a multicultural home, Grace shares practical ways families can use books, language, and storytelling to build connection, curiosity, and a stronger sense of identity.

Chapters

Show Notes

Reading Inspires is a podcast from Reading Is Fundamental about the people and ideas helping children discover the joy and power of reading.

Summary

What does it take to help children see themselves in the story of space exploration? Lane Polak, a technical writer and strategic communications professional for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) at Marshall Space Flight Center, joins Reading Inspires to talk about his unconventional path to NASA and the creative work behind making the Artemis program accessible to young readers.

Lane explains how his background in writing, drawing, and neurodivergent creativity shaped his approach to outreach, why NASA needed materials designed for the youngest members of the Artemis generation, and how children’s books can turn technical achievement into curiosity, connection, and possibility. He also reflects on school visits, storytelling, and the questions every writer should ask: Why am I telling this story, why this way, and where do I want it to go?

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Show Notes

- Guest: Lane Polak, technical writer for NASA’s Space Launch System at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
- NASA profile: I Am Artemis — Lane Polak
- Lane’s Reading Is Fundamental books:
- Hooray for SLS
- Our Friend Orion
- There and Back with EGS
- Lane is available for school visits. Contact: [russell.l.polak@nasa.gov](mailto:russell.l.polak@nasa.gov)

Summary

Erin Bailey talks with Denine Torr of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and Alicia Levi of Reading Is Fundamental about why literacy access is a community responsibility. They discuss the long partnership between Dollar General and RIF, the specific barriers facing rural communities, the importance of books in homes and schools, and the role of motivation, confidence, and practice in developing skilled readers.

The conversation closes with practical ways listeners can support literacy through their time, talent, and treasure. Denine and Alicia share personal stories about the power of books, family reading, community programs, and the possibilities that open when children and adults have meaningful access to literacy.

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Show Notes

This episode was produced for Reading Inspires.

Summary

What happens when two cousins turn a drawer full of lost socks into a graphic-story universe? Erin Bailey talks with Shidan and Roshan Youssefian, creators of Life Really Socks, a playful book series about mismatched socks, friendship, individuality, and belonging.

Shidan and Roshan grew up in Italy in a culturally mixed family, followed different professional paths, and came together during the pandemic to build a creative world where lost socks become characters with their own stories. They explain why they chose graphic storytelling, how humor helps children engage with big ideas, and why celebrating difference can be both meaningful and genuinely fun.

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Show Notes

Erin Bailey is joined by cousins Shidan and Roshan Youssefian, the creators of Life Really Socks. The series follows lost and mismatched socks in a world where characters learn to navigate difference, friendship, and community.

In this conversation, they discuss:

Learn more about Life Really Socks:

Reading Inspires is presented by Reading Is Fundamental. Share this episode with a reader, family, or educator who would enjoy the Sockverse.

Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Abby Quammen Conrad, former Miss New York 2024, to discuss her lifelong passion for children's literacy. Abby shares how books became a source of stability after losing her home at age 12, and how that experience shaped her Read Lead Succeed initiative, through which she's run book drives, after-school reading programs in the Bronx, and tutored students one-on-one — including the powerful story of a struggling third-grader who's now an English major in college. The conversation covers practical tips for building a love of reading at home, the economic case for literacy investment, creative community efforts like her Book Buddies social media challenge, and why libraries and local businesses have a role to play in keeping kids engaged with books.

About Abby Quammen Conrad:
Abby Quammen Conrad, Former Miss New York and friend of RIF Bio: Abby believes reading is a human right, and she's spent more than a decade proving it. A former Miss New York and founder of Read → Lead → Succeed, she has helped distribute over 10,000 books and reached more than 20,000 students in a mission to make reading "cool" for a new generation and fight our nation's illiteracy crisis. Through after-school reading programs in Title I schools and one-on-one tutoring, she works directly with the students who need it most — turning reluctant readers into confident ones. As the coach and mentor behind her own pageant consulting business, CrownedByQ, she guides rising titleholders to find their voice, own their story, and compete with confidence. By day, Abby works in development for the nation's largest private university while earning her MBA at NYU's Stern School of Business.

@abbyqconrad @crownedbyqcoaching

Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Dr. Tiffany Munzer, a developmental behavioral pediatrician and digital media researcher at the University of Michigan, about screen time and children's development. They discuss how screen time guidance has shifted from rigid time limits to a focus on quality, content, and connection — emphasizing co-viewing, high-quality media (like PBS Kids and Skybrary), and using screens as conversation starters rather than passive babysitters. The conversation covers differences between print books and e-books, practical strategies for setting screen time boundaries with kids, and a deep dive into AI's role in children's literacy — including its promise for interactive learning, the risks of sycophantic LLM design fostering unhealthy engagement, and the irreplaceable value of embodied human connection. Dr. Munzer closes by encouraging families not to feel guilty about digital media use and to focus on the underlying needs its meeting, while reaffirming that reading builds empathy and perspective.

About Dr. Tiffany Munzer:
Dr. Tiffany Munzer is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and digital media researcher at University of Michigan. Dr. Munzer’s research program is driven by the questions that families often present with related to digital media, parenting, and young children’s development. Her work also includes work includes translation of scientific findings to actionable clinical guidance for families. She serves as the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Michigan and University of Michigan, an evidence-based intervention providing free books for young children.

Tiffany G. Munzer | Faculty | University of Michigan Medical School

Skybrary: Children’s Reading App for Kids Pre-K through Grade 3 | Skybrary

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Rina Madhani, co-founder of Start Lighthouse, about transforming underutilized school libraries into vibrant literacy hubs across New York City public schools. Rina shares how her time as a Bronx classroom teacher revealed deep inequities in access to books, inspiring her to launch an organization that staffs full-time educators in school libraries, curates culturally representative book collections, and hosts author visits to help students see themselves reflected in stories. The conversation explores the power of representation in children's literature, building sustainable school partnerships rooted in trust and listening, and how joy and belonging — not just academic metrics — are central to fostering lifelong readers.

About Rina Madhani:
Rina Madhani is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Start Lighthouse, a Bronx-based nonprofit advancing childhood literacy through culturally responsive programming. She leads the organization’s efforts to transform underutilized public school libraries into vibrant, fully staffed Literacy Hubs that provide daily book access, literacy instruction, and author engagement opportunities for students in historically under-resourced communities. Under her leadership, Start Lighthouse has partnered with multiple NYC public schools and distributed tens of thousands of books to children, with a focus on representation and identity affirming literature. Rina is passionate about building joyful reading cultures in schools and believes that when children see themselves reflected in books, they become more confident learners and leaders.

https://www.startlighthouse.org/

https://www.instagram.com/startlighthouse/?hl=en https://x.com/StartLighthouse

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey hosts Christine Hjorth (author of the Aligned Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources), Cherish Mims (Epic's Manager of Education Relations), and Letitia Truslow (leads Epic School Plus) to discuss Epic's expansion of 250+ decodable books on its platform. The conversation covers what makes decodable texts effective for early readers, how they're aligned to 23+ different curricula scope-and-sequences, common misconceptions (that they're only for struggling readers or inherently boring), and how Epic's digital library complements print literacy initiatives like RIF's. The guests share the serendipitous origin story of the partnership, creative techniques for making decodables engaging (surprise illustrations, vocabulary building, nonfiction topics), and how the collection supports differentiation, family engagement, and English language learners.

About the guests:

Christine Hjorth is the author of the ALIGNED Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources.  An expert on decodables, she has written a set of 260 decodable titles and aligned them to the scope and sequences of 22 different ELA curriculums. She has sold over 550,000 books over the last 3 years, which are in use around the country and are now found on EPIC! She is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Gifted Education, with over 25 years of experience in the field, including many years as a first-grade teacher. She recently presented about the use of decodables at the International Society for Technology in Education conference and will be presenting again at the National Convention of Teachers of English in the fall. 

Cherish Mims serves as the Manager of Educator Relations at Epic, where she builds relationships with educators and develops professional learning, webinars, campaigns, and community initiatives that connect teachers with engaging digital reading resources. She brings ten years of classroom experience and passion for literacy together to help educators make meaningful use of technology to support students and inspire a love of reading.

Letitia Truslow leads the Epic School Plus and Customer Experience teams at Epic, supporting school district administrators, educators, parents and students.  In this role, she works closely with school communities to ensure they get the most out of Epic's platform, translating feedback from the field into meaningful improvements to the product and support experience.With a background in customer success and education technology, Letitia is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships between Epic and the districts it serves. She believes that great customer experience starts with genuinely listening to the people who use the product every day—whether that's a superintendent managing a rollout, a teacher navigating a new tool, or a parent trying to support their child's learning and literacy journey at home.

Epic! Decodable Texts: New Decodable Books on Epic

All of the amazing decodables discussed on this podcast, and found on EPIC, are available as physical copies at Decodables.com.

In this episode, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Valerie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden, and Dr. Susan Browne — longtime colleagues and co-authors from Rowan University — to discuss their book Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story. The three educators share how their RISP framework (Read, Interpret, Script, Perform) invites students of all ages to go beyond surface-level comprehension by embodying literary and historical characters through collaborative writing and performance. The conversation explores how life histories cultivate deep empathy (not just sympathy), support ELA and social studies standards, and create space for meaningful discussion around complex and provocative themes. The episode also touches on the power of collaborative reading, the importance of building background knowledge, and practical advice for teachers looking to reclaim authentic reading experiences in their classrooms.

About the guests:
Valarie Lee is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With 28 years in high school and university teaching, Valarie researches adolescent literacy and lesson study. She is a co-founder of The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at leev@rowan.edu 

Susan Browne is Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. Susan teaches reading courses and advises graduate thesis research. A former Philadelphia teacher, she researches critical pedagogies, urban education, and diverse youth literature. She co-founded the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Middle School Family Literacy Initiative Advisory Board. Connect with her at brownes@rowan.edu 

Marjorie Madden is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With over 40 years of experience in education, Marjories’s researches underserved students, inclusive literacy practices, and critical pedagogy. She co-founded The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at madden@rowan.edu 

Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story:Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story | Springer Nature Link

RIF blog: From Reading to Performance: Reimagining Literacy with Life Histories

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers Can Read, to discuss his journey from a struggling reader to a literacy advocate and educator. Spencer shares how his own challenges with reading as a child shaped his mission to empower parents as the most powerful — yet underutilized — tool in fighting illiteracy.

About Spencer Russell:
Spencer Russell is an award-winning early literacy educator, former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, and founder of Toddlers CAN Read, a science of reading–based program that helps parents teach their young children to read at home. After spending six years teaching in the classroom and three years coaching educators, he created Toddlers CAN Read to make evidence-based reading instruction accessible to families through simple, practical lessons. Spencer's work has reached tens of thousands of families, and he is a sought-after speaker on early literacy and family engagement. His mission is to empower parents with the confidence and tools to help every child become a joyful, successful reader.

@toddlerscanread

Toddlers Can Read: About – Toddlers Can Read

Skybrary: Children’s Reading App for Kids Pre-K through Grade 3 | Skybrary

At just 15, Orion Jean — TIME's 2021 Kid of the Year and founder of Race to Kindness — joins Dr. Erin Bailey to discuss how a fourth-grade kindness speech contest sparked a movement that's grown into initiatives distributing toys, meals, and over 500,000 books. Orion shares the origins of his nonprofit, his current Race to One Million Acts of Kindness campaign, and lessons on leadership drawn from his books "Race to Kindness" and "A Kids Book About Leadership" — including the idea that quiet, everyday acts of leadership matter as much as being out front. The conversation turns to literacy, where Orion reflects on how reading built his empathy and worldview, why book access (and closing "book deserts") is so critical, and the joy of watching kids' faces light up at free book fairs. He closes by encouraging listeners that anyone, at any age, can create meaningful change — as long as they find the right community to race alongside.

About Orion Jean:
Orion Jean is a youth philanthropist, author, speaker, and founder of the Race to Kindness movement. Best known as TIME’s 2021 Kid of the Year, Orion has inspired millions through his message that anyone can make a difference through simple acts of kindness. His service initiative has provided more than 100,000 meals to families in need, donated over 500,000 books to children, and distributed hundreds of toys to hospitalized children and underserved communities. Through his Race to Kindness campaign, Orion encourages people of all ages to become changemakers by identifying needs in their communities and taking action to help others. He is the author of the children’s picture book Race to Kindness and A Kids Book About Leadership, which empower young readers to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose. As a sought-after speaker, Orion shares his belief that kindness is a powerful force for change and reminds audiences everywhere that when we race to kindness, everybody wins.

Race to 1 Million Acts | Race to Kindness

Orion’s summer read: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins amazon.com/Sunrise-Reaping-Hunger-Games-Novel/dp/1546171460

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Shannon Live, founder of Bat City Comics, at Comic-Con to explore how comics and graphic novels can transform literacy education. Shannon shares her journey from reluctant educator to comics advocate, explains the research behind why graphic novels boost vocabulary and lower the "affective filter" that blocks learning, and offers practical advice for parents and teachers on nurturing young readers through comics. The conversation covers the history of anti-comics stigma, using comics to teach history and identity, book recommendations for every age, and how finding your voice through reading builds lifelong confidence.

RIF's Graphic Novel collection: Graphic Novel Collection | RIF.org

About Shannon Live:
A life-long adventurer of imaginary worlds, Shannon Live knew her path would someday include advocating for creativity. After working as a Reading and Writing Specialist creating pop culture curriculum for Title I schools, Live went on to co-found Bat City Comic Professionals, a 501(c)(3) non-profit comic bookstore that focuses on cultivating reading, writing, art, and imagination skills for young people. As President of Bat City, Live works to develop programming that inspires creative learning using comic books as the primary resource. Through workshops, content, and resource development, Live is hoping to inspire a new generation to find their voice.

Shopping for Superman documentary by Wes Eastin: Shopping for Superman Homepage : Shopping for Superman

Shannon's TedTalk: Your voice as a superpower | Shannon Live | TEDxBradenton

YouTube channel Wine Down Your Weekend: https://www.youtube.com/@batcitycomicbooks

Shannon's comic recommendations for families:

Dog Man - because it inspires every young reader to jump in to reading AND creating
 

The Cartoonists Club - because you get Reina Telgemeier's coming of age story mixed with Scott McCloud's teaching comics. Great for using to teach comics and for kids who find themselves in making art. And maybe it will encourage them to start a club! 

March - A great way to showcase history and inspire readers to take action themselves. Great for the older readers and history teachers. 

In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey talks with author, educator, and bookseller Jenna Elyse Johnson about writing authentic disability representation for kids. Jenna shares her path from teacher to author, her personal experience with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and how her books Every Body Move and I Spark Like Lightning celebrate mobility tools and epilepsy with joy and honesty. The conversation covers common pitfalls in disability representation, the difference between "disability books" and authentic incidental representation, and practical advice for building inclusive classroom and home libraries year-round.

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey is joined by three literacy educators and co-authors — Dr. Chase Young (Sam Houston State University), Dr. Seth Parsons, and Dr. Allison Ward Parsons (both from George Mason University) — to discuss their book Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning and the Future of Engaging Literacy Instruction. Together, they make a passionate case for bringing creativity, joy, and synergy back into literacy classrooms. The group explores how evidence-based reading instruction doesn't have to mean boring instruction — and how project-based learning, student choice, collaboration, and authentic tasks can coexist with (and even strengthen) the science of reading. From tongue twister phonics lessons to word surgery morphology activities, they share practical, research-backed ideas that give teachers permission to be creative again. The episode also tackles the missing "pillar" of motivation and engagement in the science of reading conversation, the toll scripted curricula are taking on teachers, and why building lifelong readers matters just as much as teaching decoding skills.

About Dr. Chase Young:
Dr. Chase Young is a literacy researcher, professor, author, and educator known for making reading instruction practical, engaging, and research-driven. He is the author of several influential professional books, including Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading, Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and Build Reading Fluency. His work focuses on reading fluency, literacy interventions, active learning, and effective classroom practices that bridge the science and art of teaching. In addition to his writing and research, Dr. Young serves as an editor forReading Research Quarterly, one of the leading journals in literacy research. A sought-after speaker, he is known for energetic presentations that blend scholarly expertise with humor and practical classroom application.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-young-68586625/

X: https://x.com/ChaseJYoung1

About Dr. Seth Parsons:
Seth A. Parsons, PhD, is a professor in the Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. He is the co-author and co-editor of several books, including Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning (Routledge, 2026), Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students (Guilford, 2023), and Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, K–5 (Guilford, 2021). Dr. Parsons serves as co-editor of the Journal of Literacy Research, associate editor of Reading & Writing Quarterly, and executive editor of cognition and motivation for The Journal of Educational Research.  

www.linkedin.com/in/prof-seth-parsons

https://www.facebook.com/seth.parsons.796/

Instagram: @sethaparsons

https://kappanonline.org/motivation-science-of-reading-parsons-erickson/

About Dr. Allison Ward Parsons:
Allison Ward Parsons is a Professor and Director of the Elizabeth G. Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. She is former Title I kindergarten teacher who strives to support teachers’ literacy instruction as they build lifelong readers who love learning. Most recently she has been focused on building a statewide initiative to support literacy in Virginia with a grant from the US Department of Education (see leap.cehd.gmu.edu). Dr. Ward Parsons currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She is a co-author of Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning,and her award-winning research has been published in numerous outlets, including Literacy Research and Instruction, Reading Research Quarterly, The Elementary School Journal, The Reading Teacher,and Review of Educational Research. 

LinkedIn: 

linkedin.com/in/allison-ward-parsons-ph-d-83664b7

Instagram: allisonwparsons   

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Mary Pope Osborne — author of the beloved Magic Tree House series — to explore how a life of adventure, imagination, and a love of words led to one of the most iconic children's book series of all time. Mary shares the origin of Jack and Annie's tree house, her dedication to literacy access through the Magic Tree House Classroom Adventures program and Gift of Books initiative, and why reading builds far more than academic skills — it builds resilience, empathy, and the imagination to envision a different life. She also previews her newest History Heroes series, featuring real-world figures like Mary Anning and Thomas Edison. A beautiful reminder that reading is a doorway to anywhere.

About Mary Pope Osborne:
Mary Pope Osborne is an ardent advocate and supporter of children’s literacy, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including novels, retellings of mythology and folklore, picture books, biographies, and mysteries. From 1993–1997, Mary served as president of the Authors Guild, the country’s leading organization for published authors. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, visiting schools and speaking on issues related to children’s literacy.

Mary spoke at the UN regarding the importance of worldwide literacy and was profiled on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams for her continued efforts. Mary's personal contributions through her Gift of Books Program have placed over 1.2 million books in the hands of underserved children in Title 1 schools across the country.

The creator of the Magic Tree House series, Mary is also co-author of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with her husband, WILL OSBORNE, and her sister, NATALIE POPE BOYCE. Mary is active on Instagram, YouTube, and X and loves to connect with readers, former readers, teachers, and parents. She resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts with Will and their two rescue dogs, Captain Wilson and a Yorkie named Penny.

Classroom Adventures Program: Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program

Mary Pope Osborne (@mary_pope_osborne) • Instagram photos and videos

How I Write a Magic Tree House Book (Sea Otter Sunrise)

Mary Pope Osborne (@MaryPopeOsborne) / X

Magic Tree House | Facebook

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jay Flores — engineer, author, and upcoming American Ninja Warrior competitor — to explore the powerful intersection of literacy, STEM, and representation. Jay shares how his lifelong curiosity, nurtured by a supportive family, led him from tinkering with pots and pans as a child to becoming an engineer and now a children's book author. His bilingual picture book Engineer Someday introduces 10 types of engineering through familiar childhood play, with rhymes that work in both English and Spanish — not as a translation, but as a true bilingual experience. The conversation covers why reading is one of the best tools for sparking STEM curiosity in young children, why representation in books and media matters, and how bilingualism is a cognitive superpower worth celebrating.

About Jay Flores:
Jay Flores is a Global STEM Ambassador, founder of Invent The Change, and author of the bilingual STEM children’s book series, Engineer Someday! He is a two-time semifinalist on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, recently starred on Amazon Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and has hosted PBS’s innovation show Make48. Jay also starred on Telemundo's Exatlon and competed on ESPN in primetime! With additional appearances on local news channels across the country, Jay has become a leading advocate for Hispanic representation in STEM, using his platform to inspire the next generation of innovators.

As one of the most influential voices in K-12 STEM education, Jay reaches millions of students each month. He serves as a Mystery Guide on Discovery Education’s Mystery Science, the most widely used K-5 science resource in the United States. Jay is also the creator and host of It's Not Magic, It's Science!, an innovative brand dedicated to providing equitable access to entertaining STEM experiences. His live science shows, which feature experiments disguised as magic tricks, continue to engage and inspire students in classrooms and communities nationwide.

Jay is launching an international book tour for his bilingual STEM children’s book series, designed to introduce engineering to kids ages 0-8 through playful rhymes, fun analogies, and engaging illustrations. By making engineering concepts accessible in both English and Spanish, Jay aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while supporting bilingual education. His goal is to place the Engineer Someday series in classrooms, libraries, science museums and homes across the country, ensuring young children see themselves in STEM from an early age.

Jay's work empowers students, educators, and industry leaders alike, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the global STEM landscape.

Jay Flores | LinkedIn

Jay Flores Santa (@jayfloresinspires) • Instagram photos and videos

Jay Flores - YouTube

Jay Flores (@jayfloresinspires) | TikTok

In this episode host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Channing Chasten — former Ohio State and professional soccer player, author of The 1% Kid, and founder of the 1% Kid Foundation. Channing shares how growing up with a teacher mom, a love of Percy Jackson, and a determination to get "1% better every day" shaped both his athletic and academic journey. He opens up about navigating the demands of Division I athletics, the power of saying no, and why third-grade reading proficiency is a statistic every parent and educator should know. Channing also dives into the work of his nonprofit, which combines soccer, literacy, and mindset workshops to inspire young people — especially reluctant readers — to discover the joy of books.

About Channing Chasten:
Channing Chasten, Executive Director, The 1% Kid Foundation Channing Chasten is a children’s author, speaker, and former professional soccer player dedicated to empowering the next generation. A graduate of The Ohio State University, where he played Division I soccer, Channing went on to play professionally for Phoenix Rising. He is the author of The 1% Kid and the founder of the 1% Kid Foundation, a student-centered, literacy-focused, and athletics-driven organization committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset both on and off the field.

Find him online:
@channingchasten @the1percentkidfoundation @the1percentkid

His book: The 1% Kid 

Channing’s favorite books: 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Captain Underpants
Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Khrisma Antoinette, author of children's books for kids in non-traditional family structures, including Precious Love and He's Mine. Khrisma shares how a church book club first introduced her to a main character who looked like her — a moment that sparked her mission to ensure all children see themselves in the books they read.

The conversation covers why family representation matters in children's literature, how Khrisma grounds her writing in real community research, and the power of books to open difficult — and healing — conversations. Practical takeaways include simple ways families can build literacy at home, tips for creating welcoming family literacy events, and a reminder that the smallest intentional moments from educators often leave the biggest lifelong impact.

About Khrisma Antoinette:
Khrisma Antoinette, Librarian & Children's Book Author. Khrisma Antoinette is a children’s book author and librarian who helps families turn storytelling into a tool for connection and confidence. She works with caregivers, librarians, and educators to create reading experiences that spark curiosity and build lifelong readers.

Links:

Khrisma's Website

Instagram: @khrismaantoinette

RIF's Family Dollhouse Resources and More: Dramatic Play Materials | RIF.org

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Aimee's Babies, and Dr. Crystal Loose, a former teacher, reading specialist, and professor of early learning at West Chester University. Together, they co-host the Plant the Seed of Learning podcast and co-authored The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policy Makers. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be kindergarten-ready — spoiler: it's less about knowing the alphabet and more about self-regulation, fine motor skills, and the ability to function in a group. Dr. Ketchum and Dr. Loose emphasize that language and literacy development begins at birth through talking, narrating, and reading aloud, and that play is not separate from learning — it is learning, building everything from executive function to memory retention. The guests also address the growing concern around screen time, sharing research on developmental delays linked to early and excessive use, while offering practical, judgment-free guidance for busy families. The episode wraps with a call for systemic change, including paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, and universal pre-K, as essential investments in America's youngest learners.

About Dr. Aimee Ketchum:
Founder of Aimee’s Babies, LLC,  Dr. Aimee Ketchum is a newborn massage instructor, mom, yoga instructor, and doctor of pediatric occupational therapy with over 25 years experience working with children from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through high school.

Aimee's Babies

About Dr. Crystal Loose:

Prior to joining the faculty at West Chester University, Dr. Crystal Loose spent 22 years in public education as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, administrator, and curriculum director. Her research interests include teacher professional development, relational leadership, and early learning practices that support school readiness for children and their parents. She currently teaches child development and graduate courses in leadership, educational change theory, play, and curriculum implementation.  Dr. Loose enjoys supporting area elementary schools on early learning transition practices that educate parents on brain development and developmental milestones prior to the start of school.

Crystal Loose - WCU of PA

 Links:
The Early Childhood Promise book
Plant the Seed of Learning podcast: Plant the Seed of Learning - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Maya Lê, creator of MaiStoryBook, in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Maya shares her personal journey as a half-Vietnamese, half-Filipino creator who grew up with little cultural representation in children's books, and how that experience shaped her mission to ensure every child can see themselves — and others — in the stories they read.

About Maya Lê:
Maya Lê is the Creator of MaiStoryBook, a platform dedicated to sharing diverse and inclusive educational resources with families and educators.  Passionate about equality and diversity in children’s literature, she inspires a new generation of readers through her interactive read aloud YouTube videos, reviews of children’s books on Instagram, book-inspired crafts, and curated book lists. 

Episode Links:

Instagram:@maistorybooklibrary

Substack: MaiStoryBook

YouTube: MaiStoryBook

TpT Craft Templates:MaiStoryBook
Reading Is Fundamental's AAPI Calendar: Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Calendar | RIF.org
RIF's AAPI Collection: May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Collection | RIF.org
How We Say I Love You: How We Say I Love You | RIF.org

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jessica Jones White — assistant principal, licensed counselor, and literacy advocate — to explore the powerful intersection of reading and mental health. Jessica shares her personal journey as a student with a 504 plan who found solace in books, and explains why every book is, at its core, a mental health book. The conversation covers bibliotherapy (using books intentionally to support social-emotional learning), how to prepare students and families for emotionally heavy texts using co-regulation and content previews, and practical strategies for educators to weave literacy into any subject. Jessica and Erin also tackle the growing challenge of screen time and its impact on reading stamina, offering compassionate, realistic advice for both families and teachers. The episode closes with Jessica's belief that reading inspires change — and that teaching a child to research is teaching them to teach themselves.

About Jessica Jones White:
Jessica Jones White joined RIF Middle School Literacy Advisory Board in the spring of 2022. Jessica is the Middle School Assistant Principal at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School and an Education Consultant for The Creation Gym. She has been in the field of education for over a decade, servicing children in grades PreK-12 as an educator and athletic coach. Her teaching skills include project-based learning, arts integration, 21st century skill development, digital and blended learning curriculums, and educational technology. Jessica is also a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. She uses her unique skill set to create experiences for students that address all forms of intelligence.

Links:
Every Book is a Mental Health Book Webinar Recording: Webinar: Every Book is a Mental Health Book | RIF.org

RIF’s Well-being Collection: Well-Being Center | RIF.org

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Jill Pentimonti, a member of Reading is Fundamental's Early Childhood Literacy Advisory Board, to explore the science and art of effective preschool read-alouds. Jill shares her journey from finance major to early childhood educator to researcher, driven by her passion for understanding how young brains develop language and literacy skills. She breaks down the "secret sauce" of impactful read-alouds into three essential buckets: building listening comprehension through rich questions, developing print knowledge by pointing out letters and how books work, and fostering awareness of language sounds through rhyming and alliteration. Jill emphasizes that simply reading words off a page isn't enough—it's the human interaction, the back-and-forth conversation, and the intentional questions that transform story time into powerful learning experiences.

The conversation offers practical, research-backed strategies for both teachers and families, including the importance of a "balanced diet" of books (narrative stories, information texts, alphabet books, and rhyming books), the power of rereading to deepen learning, and effective scaffolding techniques to support and challenge young readers. 

About Dr. Jill Pentimonti:
Dr. Jill Pentimonti is an Associate Research Professor in the Institute for Educational Initiatives and the Executive Director of Research Advancement in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Notre Dame, where she also leads the Early Learning Foundations (ELF) Lab. Her work focuses on language, literacy, and learning in the preschool and early elementary years. 

Dr. Pentimonti’s research centers on supporting young children’s language and literacy development, particularly for those at risk for reading difficulties. She has led multiple large-scale, federally funded studies examining classroom practices, instructional supports, and interventions that foster children’s early learning. Her work has also advanced the use of innovative tools and methods—including AI-powered assessments—to better understand and improve early learning experiences for children, families, and teachers.

In this Teacher Appreciation Week episode, host Erin Bailey chats with New York Times bestselling author and educator Matt Eicheldinger about his journey from reluctant reader to published author, how a classroom "story jar" sparked his writing career, and practical strategies for reaching kids who don't love reading — from short chapters and cliffhangers to finding the one book that hooks them. Matt also previews his fast-paced dystopian YA series When the Rain Came and teases a brand-new graphic novel format dropping in 2029.

About Matt Eicheldinger:
Matt Eicheldingeris an American author, former middle school teacher, and social media personality. He is best known for his Matt Sprouts series of middle-grade novels and his memoir Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments. His debut novel became a The New York Times and USA Today bestseller in its first week of publication.

Matt Eicheldinger

Instagram and tiktok @matteicheldinger

Facebook: @Matt Eicheldinger - Author

In this episode, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Timothy Shanahan — professor emeritus, former president of the International Literacy Association, and Reading Hall of Fame inductee — to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives.

Dr. Shanahan challenges one of education's most deeply held assumptions: that students should be matched to texts at their individual reading level. Drawing on decades of research, he explains why this practice may actually be holding kids back — and what teachers should be doing instead.

About Dr. Tim Shanahan:
Timothy Shanahan is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chi­cago where he was Founding Di­rector of the UIC Center for Literacy. Previously, he was director of reading for the Chicago Public Schools. He is author/editor of more than 300 publications on literacy education. His research emphasizes the improvement of reading achievement, teaching reading with challenging text, reading-writing relationships, the and disciplinary literacy.

Tim is past president of the International Literacy Association. He served as a member of the Advisory Board of the National Institute for Literacy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and he helped lead the National Reading Panel, convened at the request of Congress to evaluate research on the teaching reading, a major influence on reading education. He chaired two other federal research review panels: the National Literacy Panel for Language Minority Children and Youth, and the National Early Literacy Panel, and helped write the Common Core State Standards.

He was inducted to the Reading Hall of Fame in 2007, and is a former first-grade teacher.

Dr. Shanahan's Blog: Literacy Blogs | Shanahan on Literacy

Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives: Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives

Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with licensed pediatric psychologist Dr. Caitlin Khoury about her role in developing Lovevery's Reading Skillset. Dr. Khoury shares her journey from graduate school research and reading clinics to clinical practice assessing children for learning disabilities, and how those experiences shaped her approach to creating evidence-based reading materials for families. The conversation explores the core components of the Reading Skillset—including phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and oral language development—and how play makes learning to read joyful and engaging. Dr. Khoury offers practical guidance on using alphabet books intentionally, maximizing wordless picture books for storytelling, practicing shared reading with turn-taking, and selecting decodable books that match a child's developing skills. She also discusses signs that children are ready to transition to chapter books and how series can build reading stamina and lifelong love of reading.

About Dr. Caitlin Khoury:
Dr. Caitlin Khoury, PhD, is a licensed pediatric psychologist and product strategist at Lovevery. She specializes in integrating behavioral health care with children’s academic learning needs, with particular expertise in early literacy development. Her research and dissertation focused on the relationship between early literacy skills and self-regulation in young children. Dr. Khoury previously worked at the National Institute for Direct Instruction and has extensive experience partnering with families to identify targeted learning supports through comprehensive evaluations. She also supported the development of Lovevery’s Reading Skill Set, translating literacy science and child development research into practical, parent-friendly tools that support early reading success.

Lovevery Reading Skill Set: The Reading Skill Set | Reading Programs for Kids | Lovevery

Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Dr. Jennifer Scoggin and Hannah Schneewind, founders of Trusting Readers and authors of Trusting Readers: Powerful Practices for Independent Reading. The duo shares their journeys from classroom teachers to literacy consultants and explains why trust—in teachers, students, and the independent reading process itself—is central to their philosophy. They break down the four essential components of effective independent reading: time, choice, talk, and teacher support, emphasizing that independent reading is an instructional time, not just "kids with books." The conversation covers practical strategies for families to cultivate reading habits at home, the powerful connection between reading and writing, and how reading identity shapes young learners. Both guests reflect on how reading inspires connection—with characters, with loved ones, and within classroom communities.

About Dr. Jennifer Scoggin:
Dr. Jennifer Scoggin has been a teacher, author, speaker, curriculum writer, and literacy consultant.  Jennifer’s interest in the evolving identities of both students and teachers and her growing obsession with children’s literature led her to and informs her work. 

Jen began her career teaching first and second grades in Harlem, New York. In her current role as a literacy consultant, Jennifer collaborates with teachers to create engaging literacy opportunities for children.  She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University and has previously published two books about literacy instruction and life in the classroom. 

Jen lives in Connecticut with her two children, her husband, and her dog.

About Hannah Schneewind:
Hannah Schneewind has been a teacher, staff developer, curriculum writer, keynote speaker and national literacy consultant. She brings with her over 25 years of experience to the education world. Hannah’s interest in student and teacher agency and her belief in the power of books informs her work with schools. 

Hannah often works close to home, in Connecticut and New York. She also frequently travels across the United States.

Hannah began her career as a first grade teacher at P.S. 321 in Brooklyn, New York, and her classroom was used as a model classroom for teachers around the city and country. The trust the administrators placed in her along with the culture of collaboration in the school formed her belief  in the power and possibilities of schools.

Hannah lives in Connecticut with her three children, her husband, and the deer who eat her garden each summer.

Links:
Trusting Readers website: Trusting Readers
Trusting Readers Book: Trusting Readers by Jennifer Scoggin, Hannah Schneewind. Powerful

LinkedIn: (23) Trusting Readers LLC: Overview | LinkedIn

Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Katie Sciurba, assistant professor at the University of Georgia and author of Reading and Relevance Reimagined: Celebrating the Literacy Lives of Young Men of Color. Dr. Sciurba shares how her experiences as a fourth and fifth grade teacher in the Bronx led her to question assumptions about what makes reading relevant to students. She introduces her four dimensions of relevance—identity, spatiality, temporality, and ideology—and explains how these factors intersect to shape students' reading experiences. The conversation explores why it's important to engage with texts that challenge your worldview, practical strategies for teachers navigating restrictive curricula, and how educators can foster joy in literacy even during challenging times. Dr. Sciurba also shares the story behind her book's cover art, illustrated by John Jennings and featuring her own son as a "reading superhero."

About Dr. Katie Sciurba:
Katie Sciurba (Sher-buh), Assistant Professor of Literacies and Children's Literature at the University of Georgia. Katherine (Katie) Sciurba received her PhD in English Education at New York University. She is an experienced elementary school teacher and, for nearly 20 years, has taught writing to K-12 children in after-school and intervention contexts. Her research focuses on reading and relevance, especially as connected to the experiences of Boys of Color, and representations of the sociopolitical world in children’s literature.

Links:
Website: katiesciurba.com 

IG: @katiesciurba

READING AND RELEVANCE, REIMAGINED: CELEBRATING THE LITERACY LIVES OF YOUNG MEN OF COLOR was published by Teachers College Press in 2024. It won the 2025 Philp C. Chinn Multicultural Book Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education. Here is the link: https://www.tcpress.com/reading-and-relevance-reimagined-9780807786246

Cover Art by John Jennings: JOHN JENNINGS STUDIO

Host Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Dr. Elena Forzani, a Boston University literacy researcher, about the evolving landscape of reading assessment and equity. Dr. Forzani shares her journey from first-grade teacher to assessment specialist, sparked by disillusionment with teaching-to-the-test practices. She discusses her work on the 2026 NAEP reading framework and explains how this "low-stakes" national assessment differs from high-stakes state tests. The conversation explores culturally responsive assessment—ensuring diverse populations are represented at the table from the start—and the challenges of accounting for students' varied background knowledge. Dr. Forzani also addresses digital literacy in an age of algorithms and AI, emphasizing that students need critical evaluation skills more than ever. The episode concludes with her reflections on how reading inspires connection, transports us to different worlds, and builds community through shared book recommendations.

About Dr. Elena Forzani:
Dr. Elena Forzani is director of the Literacy Education and Reading & Literacies Education programs and an assistant professor at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Dr. Forzani’s research centers on using multiple and mixed methods to understand and support digital literacies practices across the elementary and secondary levels. In particular, her work investigates the cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational dimensions of online reading, and especially how readers evaluate the credibility of online information. Through this work, Dr. Forzani seeks to inform the design of equity-oriented instruction and assessment environments.

Dr. Forzani was the assistant research director for PIRLS and ePIRLS, international print and digital reading assessments. She is a former first grade and high school English and reading teacher, as well as a former literacy specialist. Her scholarship has been published in multiple researcher and practitioner journals, including Reading Research Quarterly, Computers in Human Behavior, Computers & Education Open, The Reading Teacher, and The Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. Dr. Forzani currently serves on the NAEP Standing Reading Committee.

LinkedIn: Elena Forzani | LinkedIn

Toward a Theory of Socioculturally Responsive Assessment (Bennett, 2023): Full article: Toward a Theory of Socioculturally Responsive Assessment

Book Recommendations from Dr. Forzani:
Borders (Story by Thomas King; illustrations by Natasha Donovan): Borders: King, Thomas, Donovan, Natasha: 9780316593052: Amazon.com: Books
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: Amazon.com: All the Colors of the Dark: A Read with Jenna Pick: 9780593798898: Whitaker, Chris: Books
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: Wolf Hall (Wolf Hall Trilogy, 1): Mantel, Hilary: 9781250806710: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Dr. Lauren Loquasto, Chief Academic Officer at Goddard Systems, about supporting young children through big emotions and difficult conversations. Dr. Loquasto explains how children's brains operate in three states—survival, emotional, and executive—and why understanding these states is crucial for parents and educators to help children feel safe and ready to learn. The conversation explores how to recognize when children are struggling with fear or anxiety, practical strategies for responding to their big questions and statements with curiosity rather than dismissal, and the power of using books like "Felix and the Picnic" to proactively create safe spaces for discussing complex topics such as family changes, emotions, and uncertainty. Dr. Loquasto emphasizes that children's challenging questions are gifts of trust, and that by pairing curiosity with routine, reassurance, and emotional vocabulary, adults can help young learners navigate their big feelings and develop healthy emotional regulation skills.

About Dr. Lauren Loquasto:
Dr. Lauren Loquasto is an expert in early childhood education. She currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Goddard Systems Inc. In this leadership role, Lauren continues to shape the premier educational programming and proprietary curriculum for the Goddard system of nearly 650 schools. In her prior role, Lauren held the position of vice president of early childhood education for Primrose School Franchising Company, where she supported curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. Prior to that she led the early childhood education department for a private education company, authoring their proprietary early childhood curriculum and leading professional development creation and delivery. 

Lauren has worked at every level of early childhood education. While she began her formal career teaching at the university level, she has prior experience teaching within preschools, consulting and serving as a support professional for children with autism, and serving as an embedded instructional coach for preschool teachers. She has worked as a school principal for multiple schools and remains actively involved as a voice for early childhood education in various professional associations. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cheering on her sons in sports. She lives with her husband and family in Roswell, Georgia, near Atlanta. 

About | DrLauren.org 

Links:
Webinar: Webinar: Every Book is a Big Conversation Starter | RIF.org
Gardner Media: The Garden Learning and Play
Harvard Study: Reading skills — and struggles — manifest earlier than thought — Harvard Gazette
Big Conversations with Little Children: Addressing Questions, Worries, and Fears: Big Conversations with Little Children: Addressing Questions, Worries, – The Garden Learning and Play
Big Conversations with Little Children Series: Books | DrLauren.org 

In this episode, host Erin Bailey talks with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Nick Bruel, creator of the Bad Kitty series. Nick shares his path from bookseller at Books of Wonder to published author, his creative process using pen, pencil, and watercolor, and how early reading experiences—from Go, Dog, Go to the obscure Fat Cat—shaped his career. The conversation explores his intentional approach to reaching reluctant readers through illustrated chapter books with built-in nonfiction sections, the importance of libraries as spaces of choice, and visual literacy in graphic storytelling. Nick's advice for parents: read what your kids are reading. His inspiration? Reading fuels writing—analyzing what works (and what doesn't) in every book makes you a better creator.

About Nick:
Nicholas Tung Ming Bruel is an American author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the Bad Kitty series. The first book in the series, Bad Kitty, is an alphabet-themed picture book, and expanded series includes both picture books and chapter books, as well as a guide to drawing comics. His books have been New York Times bestsellers.

Books:
Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach: Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach

Water resistant markers: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip -Double Tipped Art Marker Set for Artist Adults Coloring Illustration -48 Colors -Brush & Fine -Honolulu B -Refillable : Target

Comic Book webinar: Webinar: Kapow! Building Writers Through Comics | RIF.org

Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins: Amazon.com: The Hunger Games (Book 1): 9780439023528: Collins, Suzanne: Books

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins: Gregor the Overlander Collection: Books 1-5 (The Underland Chronicles) - Kindle edition by Collins, Suzanne. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

In this episode of Reading Inspires, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Sabetha Wells, Quality Assurance lead at Stauffer's Biscuit Company, about the meaningful connection between snack time and story time as Stauffers celebrates 155 years and RIF marks 60 years. Sabetha shares how her grandmother's tradition of reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" alongside Stauffer's holiday cookies inspired her career path, and discusses the rigorous safety measures behind their new Simply Animals crackers—now peanut-free and made without high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. The conversation explores how the 13 animal shapes in Simply Animals crackers create natural opportunities for imaginative play, vocabulary building, and early literacy development, culminating in the new partnership book "Bryson's Rocket Riddles" where 20% of proceeds support RIF's literacy programs.

About Sabetha Wells:
Sabetha Wells is a seasoned food safety and quality executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning manufacturing, food processing, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional quality systems management. As Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Meiji America/Stauffer’s Biscuit Company, she provides strategic leadership and technical expertise across two major production facilities, ensuring all products meet or exceed customer expectations, GFSI standards, and regulatory requirements. In this role, she guides executive decision‑making, mentors plant and corporate teams, and drives forward‑looking initiatives that elevate food safety culture, operational excellence, and organizational capability. 

Sabetha and her daughter like to pick out all the different Simply Animals characters and play with them by making the noises or create a scene before we eat them!

As Reading Is Fundamental celebrates 60 years of advancing children’s literacy, we’re proud to team up with Stauffer’s Simply Animals for National Reading Month. Together, we’re bringing snack time and story time together to spark imagination and encourage families to make reading part of their everyday routines. Based on one of the Simply Animals characters, Bryson, our two organizations collaborated on a new book, Bryson’s Rocket Riddles, created to inspire curiosity, playful learning and a love of reading. A portion of the book proceeds will go toward supporting RIF’s literacy programs which will help expand access to books and resources for children nationwide.  To order, visit www.simplyanimals.com.

In this episode of Reading Inspires, author and illustrator Dan Yaccarino joins Dr. Erin Bailey to discuss his creative journey from childhood drawings to beloved children's books and animated series like Oswald and Doug Unplugs. He shares insights on collaborating versus working solo, teases upcoming projects including Piccolo and two new animated series, and reflects on how reading inspires possibility—the same gift he now creates for young readers.

For information on the Rally to Read Reading Inspires live event visit: Event | Rally to Read Reading Inspires Event – Live, virtual national reading month celebration

About Dan Yaccarino:

Dan Yaccarino is the author and illustrator of more than fifty books for children, including Piccolo,Unlovable, Every Friday, and The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau. Awards and honors include The New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books, the Bologna Ragazzi Award, ALA Notable Children’s Books, the Parents’ Choice Award, and has had the honor of being invited to the White House to read his books. Dan is also the creator and producer of the animated series Doug Unplugs, Oswald, and Willa’s Wild Life, as well as the character designer behind the series, The Backyardigans.

Website: http://www.danyaccarino.com/ 

Instagram: danyaccarino 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.yaccarino.2025/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danyaccarino8149

TikTok: danyaccarino

Books:
The Luna Sisters Battle for the Moon Blossom 

Piccolo

I Am Murphy and I Am Waiting

In this episode, Erin Bailey sits down with literacy expert Lori Oczkus to explore reciprocal teaching and the "Fab Four" comprehension strategies. Lori shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy coach, explaining how she transformed the research-based reciprocal teaching method into an engaging, accessible approach for students of all ages. The Fab Four—predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing—work together like the Beatles, each powerful on their own but transformative when combined. Lori emphasizes the importance of gradual release, modeling, and student talk in making these strategies stick, while demonstrating how teachers can implement reciprocal teaching with any text or curriculum they're already using.

The conversation highlights the impressive research behind reciprocal teaching, including its ranking as #9 in John Hattie's meta-analysis of effective teaching strategies and its ability to produce nearly two years of growth in a single year. Lori shares real-world success stories, from Australian schools climbing from 14th to 2nd place in literacy rankings to Berkeley intervention programs achieving two-year gains in just three months. Throughout the discussion, Lori and Erin explore how choice and metacognition play crucial roles in student engagement, how reciprocal teaching fits within the science of reading framework, and why these comprehension strategies strengthen both reading and writing skills—ultimately giving students the skill, will, and thrill of reading.

About Lori Oczkus:
Lori Oczkus is a literacy coach, author, and popular speaker across the United States. Tens of thousands of teachers have attended her motivating, fast paced workshops and read her practical, research-based professional books. Lori has extensive experience as a bilingual elementary teacher, intervention specialist working with struggling readers, and staff developer and literacy coach. She works with students in classrooms and knows the challenges that teachers face in teaching students to read!

Lori's best selling books on comprehension and literacy have been featured in the Reading Teacher journal. The third edition of Reciprocal Teaching at Work: Strategies for Improving Reading Comprehension foreword by John Hattie (ASCD, 2018 book and video) features 40 new lessons and is endorsed by many noted reading experts including Donalyn Miller, Tim Rasinski, Doug Fisher, and Regie Routman. Lori has been inducted into the California Reading Hall of Fame for her many contributions to literacy in California and internationally.

In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Dr. Deborah Pope, Executive Director, and Jocelyn McCarthy, Associate Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, about the legacy of beloved children's author Ezra Jack Keats and the foundation's mission to champion diversity in children's literature. The foundation, established in 1964 after the publication of The Snowy Day, was created to fulfill Keats' vision that all children should see themselves reflected in the books they read—a vision born from his own experience as a child who felt invisible. The foundation's programs include the prestigious Ezra Jack Keats Award, which recognizes early-career authors and illustrators (with no more than four books published) who create diverse, high-quality children's literature, and the innovative Bookmaking Program where students in grades 3-12 write and illustrate their own books.

The conversation highlights the foundation's Mock EJK Award program, which brings the award process into classrooms across the country, allowing students to evaluate books using kid-friendly criteria that mirror the actual award rubric. Through this program, students engage in critical thinking discussions about diversity, illustration quality, and storytelling while developing a deeper connection to literature—some even write to authors and illustrators to share their evaluations. Both guests emphasize how reading provides power and perspective, enabling children to see themselves in stories while also opening their hearts to new adventures and wider worlds. The foundation continues to evolve its programs to meet educators' needs while staying true to Keats' core mission of making all children feel visible and valued through literature.

Watch Tell Me Another Story, a documentary on the power of picture books.

About Dr. Deborah Pope, Executive Director:

Deborah Pope has focused the work and mission of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation on increasing diversity in children’s literature and enriching the quality of public education.Through her efforts, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award is recognized internationally as an imprimatur of quality diverse children’s books, and the New York City EJK Bookmaking Competition has become  a program easily transferred to school districts across the country. Deborah was co-executive producer of the 2016 Amazon Snowy Day Holiday Special which earned two Daytime Emmys®, two Kidscreen Awards and a BAFTA nomination. She successfully campaigned for the 2017 USPS Snowy Day Stamps series honoring EJK’s classic book.

About Jocelyn McCarthy, Associate Director:

Jocelyn has spearheaded the expansion of the Foundation’s presence on all social media platforms, representing our mission and programs with an accurate and engaging voice since 2020. In addition Jocelyn manages the technical aspects of recording and presenting our various online events, and participates as a creative force in the constant need to update our website interface. She became aware of the Foundation while visiting New York, and was impressed by its programs and mission. Jocelyn has an entrepreneurial spirit, 20 years experience in marketing and promotions, and is a dedicated advocate for quality early childhood education. Jocelyn lives in Los Angeles.

In this Every Book Counts webinar, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Jill Pentimonti, Associate Research Professor at the University of Notre Dame and Executive Director of Research Advancement, to explore shared book reading as one of the most powerful tools for building young children's language, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Dr. Pentimonti explains the essential building blocks of early reading success—word recognition and language comprehension—and how shared book reading uniquely supports pre-reading skills including print knowledge, phonological awareness, and oral language development. She emphasizes that reading is not a simple process but requires building neural pathways through deliberate practice and instruction, and that decades of research confirm shared book reading's significant impact on children's literacy outcomes when done interactively.

The session provides practical, evidence-based strategies for making shared reading more intentional and engaging, including asking open-ended questions, building vocabulary with child-friendly definitions, pointing out initial sounds and letters, and having conversations before, during, and after reading. Dr. Pentimonti stresses the importance of reading a balanced diet of both narrative books (which build story structure and comprehension strategies) and information books (which introduce technical vocabulary, content knowledge, and text features like tables of contents and indexes). She demonstrates these strategies through a live read-aloud of "A Den for Bay Bay," showing how even a simple information book with few words can spark rich conversations about letters, vocabulary, and real-world knowledge. The webinar concludes with resources from Reading is Fundamental to help educators and families implement these high-impact strategies in their daily reading routines.

About Dr. Jill Pentimonti:
Dr. Jill Pentimonti is an Associate Research Professor in the Institute for Educational Initiatives and the Executive Director of Research Advancement in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Notre Dame, where she also leads the Early Learning Foundations (ELF) Lab. Her work focuses on language, literacy, and learning in the preschool and early elementary years. 

Dr. Pentimonti’s research centers on supporting young children’s language and literacy development, particularly for those at risk for reading difficulties. She has led multiple large-scale, federally funded studies examining classroom practices, instructional supports, and interventions that foster children’s early learning. Her work has also advanced the use of innovative tools and methods—including AI-powered assessments—to better understand and improve early learning experiences for children, families, and teachers.

In this episode, Erin Bailey interviews Dr. Dowan McNair-Lee about her experiences teaching literacy to middle school students. They discuss the importance of student choice in reading, the appeal of graphic novels and diverse texts, and the challenges educators face in balancing classic literature with contemporary works. The conversation also addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student literacy, the debate between teaching full novels versus excerpts, and the inspirational power of reading for personal growth and connection.

Key Points:

This webinar, part of the Every Educator Counts series, explores how generative AI and large language models (LLMs) can be thoughtfully and responsibly integrated into writing instruction. Dr. Shannon Kane, an expert in literacy and technology integration, leads the session, focusing on both the opportunities and challenges of using AI in education.

Key Points:

About Dr. Shannon Kane:
Shannon M. Kane, Ed.D., serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Teaching,Learning, Policy, and Leadership at the University of Maryland. Her academic and professional endeavors focus on literacy education, teacher preparation, and teacher professional growth. Dr. Kane’s career beganin the field of international development, where she worked on initiatives centered on women’s empowerment and access to education. She later joined the inaugural DC Teaching Fellows cohort, teaching in both traditional public and public charter schools in Washington, D.C. Her professional experience includes time as an instructional coach, curriculum developer, professional development consultant, school leader, teacher-researcher, and adjunct faculty member. Dr. Kane holds a doctorate in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as master’s degrees in International Development and in Elementary Education/TESOL. Her research examines multiple dimensions of literacy and teacher development, including K–12 literacy instruction with an emphasis on critical literacy, the preparation and mentoring of teachers as literacy practitioners, the integration of technology into literacy pedagogy, the role of classroom discourse in literacy learning, and the ways identity shapes literacy practices and experiences.

In this episode of the Reading Inspires podcast, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Shannon Kane, an assistant clinical professor and literacy expert, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and literacy education. Dr. Kane shares her unique journey from international development to K-12 education and higher ed, and discusses how she and her colleagues began investigating the role of AI in teaching. The conversation delves into the varying comfort levels with AI among pre-service and in-service teachers, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating new technologies into the classroom. Dr. Kane emphasizes the importance of intentional training and ethical, critical engagement with AI, both for educators and their students.

The discussion covers practical applications of AI in education, such as supporting foundational reading skills, differentiating instruction for multilingual learners, and scaffolding the writing process. Dr. Kane and Erin address equity concerns, noting the need for accessible AI tools and thoughtful policy decisions to ensure all students benefit. They also reflect on the evolving capabilities of AI, the importance of teacher and student agency, and the critical role of feedback in reducing bias and improving technology. The episode concludes with Dr. Kane sharing how reading inspires creativity, connection, and courage, leaving listeners with a hopeful vision for the future of literacy and technology in education.

About Dr. Shannon Kane:
Shannon M. Kane, Ed.D., serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Teaching,Learning, Policy, and Leadership at the University of Maryland. Her academic and professional endeavors focus on literacy education, teacher preparation, and teacher professional growth. Dr. Kane’s career beganin the field of international development, where she worked on initiatives centered on women’s empowerment and access to education. She later joined the inaugural DC Teaching Fellows cohort, teaching in both traditional public and public charter schools in Washington, D.C. Her professional experience includes time as an instructional coach, curriculum developer, professional development consultant, school leader, teacher-researcher, and adjunct faculty member. Dr. Kane holds a doctorate in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as master’s degrees in International Development and in Elementary Education/TESOL. Her research examines multiple dimensions of literacy and teacher development, including K–12 literacy instruction with an emphasis on critical literacy, the preparation and mentoring of teachers as literacy practitioners, the integration of technology into literacy pedagogy, the role of classroom discourse in literacy learning, and the ways identity shapes literacy practices and experiences.

This webinar, hosted by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), explores the critical role of reading aloud in fostering literacy and language comprehension for children of all ages. Dr. Molly Ness, a literacy expert, shares research-backed insights on the cognitive, emotional, and physiological benefits of read-alouds, both at home and in classrooms. Key points include:

The session concludes with a Q&A on best practices for think-alouds and multiple readings, and encouragement for educators and families to make reading aloud a joyful, regular part of children’s lives.

About Dr. Molly Ness:
Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers.   

In 2024, Molly was invited to serve on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the science of reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Molly created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. She is currently writing a forthcoming Scholastic book, helping teachers understand orthographic mapping. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.  

When she is not reading and writing about reading and writing, Dr. Ness is driving her ice-hockey obsessed teenage daughter to the rink, learning how to fly fish, or hiking with her poorly behaved goldendoodle.  

Dr. Molly Ness’s books:

Read Alouds for All Learners

Making Words Stick by Molly Ness, Katie Pace Miles | Scholastic Education

In this episode of the Reading Inspires podcast, host Erin Bailey welcomes Khari Arnold, the founder of Library Dads, to discuss his journey and the mission behind his organization. Khari shares the story of how Library Dads began, highlighting the importance of father figures and male role models in promoting reading among children. The conversation explores the challenges and successes Khari has experienced in building a supportive network that encourages dads to become more involved in their children's literacy development.

Throughout the episode, Khari and Erin delve into the impact that positive male involvement can have on young readers, as well as the broader implications for families and schools. They discuss practical strategies for engaging fathers, overcoming barriers to participation, and fostering a love of reading at home and in the community. The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative power of reading and the ways in which initiatives like Library Dads can inspire lasting change in children's lives.

Episode Links:
Library Dads: Home | The Library Dads
Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition
Murdoch Children's Research Institute: Dad's reading is new chapter of child language development - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Let Them Theory:The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey hosts a conversation with bestselling children's authors and educators Susan Verde and Emma Walton Hamilton, exploring how to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children amidst the distractions of the digital age.

The discussion highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of reading, contrasts the effects of screen time versus print, and offers practical strategies for parents and educators to foster curiosity and joy around books. Key takeaways include starting to read with children early and often, modeling reading as a pleasurable activity, connecting books to children's passions and daily life, and allowing autonomy in book choices.

The guests also introduce the Enlightened Generation initiative, which pairs books with themed clothing to reinforce learning and curiosity. The episode concludes with a Q&A, emphasizing the importance of preserving the connection between reading and joy, and encouraging flexibility and patience in supporting young readers.

About Susan Verde:

Susan Verde is a #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and yoga-mindfulness expert. Susan has written over 20 books for children and adults, including all nine books in the New York Times bestselling I Am series illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Her picture book The Water Princess was an ALA Notable Children’s Book, Amazon Best Book of the Month, and New York Public Library Best Book. Her nonfiction book for adults, Say One Kind Thing, is an original essay collection about the power of positive self-talk and her reflections on motherhood.  

In addition to her writing career, Susan co-founded Enlightened Generation, a groundbreaking children’s clothing brand with an impact-driven mission. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in reading remediation and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She is now certified in yoga and mindfulness and teaches workshops for kids of all ages. Susan currently lives in East Hampton, New York with her rescue dogs, 2 cats, and three children.  

About Emma Walton Hamilton:

EMMA WALTON HAMILTON is a best-selling and award-winning author, editor, producer and writing coach. 

Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has co-authored over thirty-five books for children and adults, nine of which have been on the New York Times best-seller list, including The Very Fairy Princess series (#1 NY Times Bestseller) and Andrews' second memoir, Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years. A Bridport Prize-winning poet, Emma's poetry collection, Door to Door, was published by Andrews McMeel, and her book for parents and caregivers, Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment, premiered as a #1 best-seller on Amazon.com in the literacy category and won a Parent's Choice Gold Medal. 

Emma was a two-time Emmy Award nominee for her role as Executive Producer and Writer for Julie's Greenroom, a children's television program about the performing arts created for Netflix, starring Julie Andrews and co-produced by the Jim Henson Company. Emma is also a Grammy Award-winning voice-over artist, having provided voicing for numerous audiobooks, including Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies (2010 Grammy Award, Best Spoken Word Album for Children), as well as numerous radio, television, theater and industrial spots. Currently, she and her mother co-host and co-produce Julie's Library, a story-time podcast for family audiences produced by American Public Media.

 A faculty member for Stony Brook University’s MFA in Creative Writing and Literature, Emma teaches all forms of children’s book writing at the graduate and undergraduate level and serves as Director of their annual Children’s Literature Conference, as well as Executive Director of the Young Artists and Writers Project (YAWP), an interdisciplinary writing program for middle and high school students. A former actress and theatre director, Emma was a co-founder of Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, where she served as co-Artistic Director and Director of Education and Programming for Young Audiences for 17 years. 

Emma is also the co-creator of Picture Book Summit, the world-class, annual online conference for picture book writers, and The Complete Picture Book Submissions System. Independently, Emma o`ers home-study courses and other products and resources for writers at her website, EmmaWaltonHamilton.com. An accomplished public speaker, she regularly addresses conferences, schools, universities and other groups about the value of, and synergy between, the arts and literacy.

In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Molly Ness, a renowned literacy expert, to discuss the transformative power of reading aloud. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to researcher, emphasizing that read alouds are not just enjoyable but essential for language comprehension, emotional well-being, and building lifelong readers. She explains that reading aloud should never be used as a reward or punishment, but as a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction for all ages—even infants and adults.

Dr. Ness highlights research showing the physiological and psychological benefits of reading aloud, including its calming effects on infants in neonatal care. She also discusses the importance of making read alouds accessible in any language and adapting them to fit diverse family routines. The conversation explores creative approaches, such as reading to animals or using wordless picture books, to foster a love of reading in all children.

The episode delves into orthographic mapping—a cognitive process that helps readers instantly recognize words—and its critical role in reading comprehension. Dr. Ness addresses the gap between literacy research and classroom practice, advocating for educators and families to become critical consumers of research and to seek out accessible resources.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ness is excited about the interdisciplinary focus in literacy research and the growing recognition that every teacher is a reading teacher. She concludes by sharing how reading inspires her, providing both intellectual stimulation and personal rejuvenation, and encourages listeners to embrace whatever reading brings them joy.

About Dr. Molly Ness:
Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers.   

In 2024, Molly was invited to serve on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the science of reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Molly created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. She is currently writing a forthcoming Scholastic book, helping teachers understand orthographic mapping. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.  

When she is not reading and writing about reading and writing, Dr. Ness is driving her ice-hockey obsessed teenage daughter to the rink, learning how to fly fish, or hiking with her poorly behaved goldendoodle.  

Dr. Molly Ness’s books:

Read Alouds for All Learners

Making Words Stick by Molly Ness, Katie Pace Miles | Scholastic Education

This is a recording of the webinar “Science + Joy= Impact: The Writing Process” presented by Jennifer Jump, Senior Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials. Get ready to rediscover the power and playfulness of writing! In this energizing webinar, we’ll unpack the writing process not as a rigid sequence, but as a flexible, recursive journey where every stage—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—holds power and purpose. Grounded in the writing process and supported by insights from What the Science of Reading Says About Writing, this session will explore how writing instruction can be both structured and liberating. 

You’ll walk away with high-impact strategies, fresh classroom-ready ideas, and a renewed sense of joy around teaching writing. Whether your students are brainstorming or publishing, writing for fun or function, there’s a place for every voice in the process. Let’s write our way forward—together! 

About Jennifer Jump:

Jennifer A. Jump serves as a Senior Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials. In this capacity, Ms. Jump provides expert professional development and training for school districts, educators, and educational trainers. A passionate educator with over twenty years of experience, Jennifer has dedicated her career to improving student achievement. Before joining TCM, she served as the Literacy Director for Washington, D.C.'s public school system. In this role, she led the development of an organized, content-rich ELA curriculum for grades K-5, ensuring it addressed the diverse needs of all students. Additionally, she facilitated professional learning for large groups of educators and provided individualized coaching to support improved literacy outcomes. 

Jen Jump’s book: What the Science of Reading Says about Writing

In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Daris McInnis, an educator with a unique journey from the military to early childhood teaching. Erin and Daris discuss the developmental milestones in K-2 writing, emphasizing the importance of handwriting, fine motor skills, and authentic writing experiences for young children. Daris explains concepts like invented and phonetic spelling, and offers practical advice for families to encourage writing at home, including bridging oral storytelling traditions with written expression. The conversation also touches on how parents can inspire a writing identity in their children, even if they don’t see themselves as writers. The episode concludes with Daris sharing how reading inspires him to ask questions and imagine new possibilities.

In this special 60th anniversary episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, and Jack Remondi, Chairman of RIF's Board of Directors, to reflect on six decades of literacy leadership. The conversation explores how RIF's mission has remained steadfast since 1966—closing the gap in book access for children who need it most. While the core challenge persists, today's landscape is more complex, with digital inequities, learning loss, multilingual communities, and competing technologies requiring innovative solutions. Both guests emphasize that RIF's ability to adapt while staying true to its mission has been key to the organization's sustained impact.

The episode highlights RIF's bold vision for the future, centered on the announcement that through Skybird, RIF's ebook platform, every child in America now has access to 100 free books—a transformational milestone that fulfills the organization's founding aspiration. Alicia and Jack share powerful stories of children's joy at book distribution events, from a second-grader exclaiming "it's like Christmas with books" to children asking "is this really mine?" Their message is clear: reading changes lives when it's accessible, relevant, and joyful, and everyone—parents, educators, donors, and advocates—has a role to play in shaping the next 60 years of reading in America.

About Alicia Levi:
Alicia Levi currently serves as President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). Over the last five years, Alicia’s vision and guidance has led to an increased digital presence offering substantial book resources, a greater depth and breadth of community engagement, growth of program offerings including its eBook library, Skybrary and an enhanced focus on the importance of race, equity and inclusion within children’s literacy. During Alicia’s tenure RIF reached the milestone of serving its 100 millionth child. Throughout her career, Alicia has been focused on education and has worked to transform the lives of children through smart strategies to improve academic outcomes.

About Jack Remondi:
Jack Remondi currently serves as the Chair of Reading Is Fundamental's Board of Directors. Jack is a Financial Services Chief Executive Officer recognized for numerous industry firsts. A seasoned change agent, he innovates strategically and operationally, yielding sustainable growth, enhanced profitability, and greater shareholder value. He finds ways to solve the most complex organizational challenges with integrity and a balanced commitment to shareholders and employees.