HOUSTON – Houston Reads Day 2025 had more than 425 volunteers together to read to nearly 17,000 kids across 39 elementary schools.
Why all the hype?
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Reading by third grade is a game-changer.
Only 27% of Houston-area third graders are reading at grade level, a stat Literacy Now is working hard to improve.
Literacy Now researched correlation between reading difficulties and a variety of adverse outcomes, including serious behavior problems, joblessness, crime, and homelessness
Literacy Now CEO Jacklyn Minimah-Wilson says, “Literacy Now is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is transforming communities to help children read so they can be on grade level when they finish our program.”
Former Houston Texan and children’s author Wade Smith made an appearance to support Houston Reads Day. He read his book Smitty Tackles Bullying to children at the event.
“It was just another amazing opportunity to participate in Houston Reads Day. It’s my second time as an author for Houston Reads Day, and this time, you know, as a featured author here at Collins Elementary School,” Smith said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to get in front of young people and read them my book. Smitty Tackles Bullying has themes throughout the story that are applicable for kids throughout their day-to-day lives and things that they can take going forward.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be an H-Town event without some hometown heroes—Houston Texans mascot Toro, the cheerleaders, and even local elected officials joined in on the fun.
Students also heard books written by Houston authors:
- Pre-K & Kindergarten: The Day I had a Bulldozer by Ashley Wall
- 1st & 2nd Grade: Acire’s Journey to Forgiveness Mountain by Erica Henderson
- 3rd & 4th Grade: Smitty Tackles Bullying by Wade Smith
- 5th Grade: Count on Me by Varsha Bajaj
Literacy Now’s Reading Intervention Program helps struggling readers catch up, and Houston Reads Day is a way to bring attention to the issue while giving kids a positive experience with books.
What’s next?
Houston Reads Day may be over, but Literacy Now the work continues.
If you’re looking to help a child you know, Literacy Now recommends you read to them just 15 minutes every day.
Want to learn more? Visit literacynowhouston.org.
