Children who read well by 4th grade have a better chance at school and life success.

And when our children succeed, we all succeed—as families, as a community, and as a city. 

But right now in Philadelphia, two out of three children are falling behind. 

That’s why families, like yours and mine, are making reading promises to the children we love.

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Learning to read is about much more than the ABCs. It starts from birth and families are the key to every child’s success.

Luckily, our own life experiences—and research— has shown us easy things we can do to help our children become stronger readers.

The Five Reading Promises

  • I PROMISE TO: Make Reading Our Special Time Together.

    It’s never too early to read together. When you ask questions, build vocabulary, and connect stories to real moments in your life, the books you share don’t only build brains, they make memories that last a lifetime. LEARN MORE

  • I PROMISE TO: Talk it up. Take Turns. Tune In.

    We talk with our children all the time, but the conversations where we pause to listen and let them take the lead, help them feel seen and heard. So they never forget that their voice matters. LEARN MORE

  • I PROMISE TO: Champion Your School Success.

    Something magical happens when the life lessons we share at home support the worlds that are opened at school. Working together, our children can grow into the best version of themselves. LEARN MORE

  • I PROMISE TO: Create With You.

    Children are experts at play. Every project we create together is a chance to share time, culture, and laughter. It’s a chance to support their imagination as a tool for learning, and get back in touch with our own. LEARN MORE

  • I PROMISE TO: Protect Your Right To Read.

    Knowledge is power. That’s why we fight for fairer systems to make sure all our children can have the life they deserve. LEARN MORE



  • “I promise to find books of strong leaders that look like you.”

  • "I promise to make playtime happen anywhere."

  • “I promise to share my favorite books and not tell any spoilers!”

  • “I promise to show you that your community reads.”