Maya's Favorites, Community, Diversity & Inclusion, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | August 11 , 2025

Help Close the Reading Gap: Donate Reading for Our Lives to Families Who Need It

Give the gift of literacy at scale. Support book donations to family-serving groups that nurture young readers and

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Kids Books, Community, Diversity & Inclusion . By Chrysta Naron | July 07 , 2025

13 Black Illustrators Who Bring Beauty and Representation to Kids’ Books

Black picture-book illustrators not to miss—discover 13 black illustrators whose work in children’s literature will light up

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Parent-School Partnership, Community . By Maya Smart | July 07 , 2025

Reading Reform Will Fail Without Families

Reading reforms need more than new curricula—they require active, informed family engagement to support children’s literacy

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Family Activities, Community, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | June 30 , 2025

Too Tired to Read Aloud? This Might Change Your Mind

Feeling too busy or exhausted to read to your kids? Discover why imperfect storytime moments matter more than you

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Maya's Favorites, Kids Books, Family Activities, Community . By Maya Smart | June 23 , 2025

Why You Should Bring Your Kids to Author Talks—Especially Ones Like This. 

Want to raise a real reader? Discover how bringing kids to author talks sparks curiosity, confidence & love of books—one

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Community, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | June 16 , 2025

Maya Featured in Mom 2.0: Moms Making a Difference

Parenting author and literacy advocate Maya Payne Smart shares a feature spotlighting how moms are making a difference all year

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Maya's Favorites, Parent-School Partnership, Personal Development, Community . By Laila Weir | April 14 , 2025

Substitute Teaching as a Meaningful Side Hustle for Parents: Give Back and Make Money on Your Schedule

Looking for flexible work during school hours? Substitute teaching can be a great part-time job for parents—plus a way to

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Maya's Favorites, Kids Books, Community, Diversity & Inclusion . By Chrysta Naron | March 24 , 2025

11 Brilliant Black Female Authors You Should Be Reading With Your Kids

Inspire young readers with books by black women authors! Celebrate diversity, identity, and joy with must-read stories for kids.

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Maya's Favorites, Parent-School Partnership, Library & Literacy Advocacy, Books for Adults . By Maya Smart | March 17 , 2025

The Paperback Edition of Reading for Our Lives Is Here—And It Couldn’t Come at a More Critical Time

Awards serve as exclamation marks—chances to pause and say, this matters. Maya Payne Smart reflects on building change with

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Maya's Favorites, Community, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | March 10 , 2025

Why Awards Matter: The Unexpected Benefits of Recognition, Connection, and Celebration

Awards serve as exclamation marks—chances to pause and say, this matters. Maya Payne Smart reflects on building change with

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