Read Aloud West Virginia works every day to keep books in the hands and on the minds of West Virginia youth. Research shows that low-income families own fewer books than those in the middle-class, and middle-class students have ten places to access books in their community for every one place accessible to a low-income student. Poor readers are less likely to be employed and more likely to require social services. Students who are poor readers are more likely to drop out and/or become incarcerated. Because reading is fundamental to knowledge, there are huge economic and societal implications for a child who does not become a proficient reader. The best way to prevent that outcome is to ensure that every child has access to books that interest them from an early age, motivating them to practice and become better readers. That's what Read Aloud does.

We invite you to join us in this important work. Celebrate Independence Day this July by declaring that you, too, believe reading is a right that all children should enjoy!