Community

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

Rising Together: My Reflections on Getting the 2025 Champion of Children Award at Beyond School Hours

Literacy lifts communities! Maya Payne Smart, 2025 Champion of Children, challenges us to help every child read, grow, and

5 Things Parents Need to Know About the 2024 NAEP Reading Scores Crisis

What do the 2024 NAEP national reading scores mean for your child? Get key takeaways and action steps for

Literacy Champion Offers a Case Study in How to Be an Advocate (Hint: Lead With Curiosity)

Attorney Kevin Long didn’t set out to become a literacy advocate. But thoughtful curiosity drove him to become a catalyst for

I’ve Had a Fantastic Year Promoting Literacy for All. Who’ll Join My 2025 Plans?

Parenting author and literacy expert Maya Payne Smart shares exciting plans for 2025, plus literacy for all successes in

The Christmas Books Campaign that Launched My Literacy Advocacy

Celebrating 10 years since Maya Smart’s pivotal role as The Richmond Christmas Mother, where her passion for literacy and early

Affirming Hair-Love Picture Books to Foster Acceptance & Self-Love

Celebrate your child's & their friends’ unique hair or hairstyles (or lack thereof) with hair love picture books that foster

13 Fantastic Winter Holiday Books by Black Authors

Literacy First Celebrates 30 Years of Impact with Reading for Our Lives Book Club

Parenting author Maya Payne Smart discusses the gold standard of reading tutor programs & a thoughtful book conversation on

Stellar Children’s Books to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month

Discover 14 fantastic children's books for Hispanic Heritage Month, from board books and picture books to young adult novels for