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“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Kids come first.” This is a value we strive to live by as a team working to empower children through books. Immigrant kids and families are being targeted here in our community with unlawful and violent arrest, detention, family separation, and deportation. As an organization deeply committed to the wellbeing of all kids, we stand in solidarity with all those in Oregon, Minnesota, and across the country working for peace, justice, and to put an end to inhumane immigration policies and enforcement.

If you’re struggling with how to talk with your kids about what’s happening, we’re right there with you! Here are some kids’ books to help children understand this moment, empower them with knowledge, and inspire them to be advocates for a country that puts humanity and kids first always.

Books about Immigration:
Dreamers by Yumi Morales
Some of Us by Rajani LaRocca
Mama Shamsi At the Bazar by Mojdeh Hasani and Samira Iravani
This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang
I’m an immigrant too! by Mem Fox
Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee and Pascal Campion
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo
A Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseno
La Frontera El Viaje con Papa (My Journey with Papa) by Debora Mills, Alfredo Alva, and Claudia Navarro
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles

Books about Refugees:
What is a Refugee? by Elisa Gravel
Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi

Books about the Effects of Deportation or Family Separation:
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez
Mama’s Nightingale by Edwidge Danticat
Hear My Voice compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplified
I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azua Kramer
Something Happened to My Dad by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera

Books about Protesting:
Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Today is Different by Doua Moua
Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

Douglas County volunteer crew shout out! Thank you to all who joined us for our end-of-year volunteer celebration and participated in our very first book cleaning session in Douglas County! Prepping books for their new lives with local kids was such a fun and special way to bring our community of volunteers together. We look forward to many more book cleaning sessions in the future as we expand book access to kids through our book bank program here.

Douglas County volunteer crew shout out! Thank you to all who joined us for our end-of-year volunteer celebration and participated in our very first book cleaning session in Douglas County! Prepping books for their new lives with local kids was such a fun and special way to bring our community of volunteers together. We look forward to many more book cleaning sessions in the future as we expand book access to kids through our book bank program here.

Pictured: SMART Reading volunteer John Lemon reading with a student at Griffin Creek Elementary in Medford this year.
John Lemon was recently nominated by our Griffin Creek Site Coordinator, Mary Wolf, for his outstanding contributions to the SMART Reading program. She shared that:
“John radiates positive energy in all his interactions with both children and adults and has an infectious way of communicating his belief in the importance of books and reading. Using humor, enthusiasm, and encouragement, along with conversations and questions that deepen understanding, he sparks interest and engagement in his SMART reading buddies.”

More than 50 years ago, John was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Central Africa (swipe for photo!) who taught farmers there how to raise fish in ponds as a protein source for their families. He made a difference in these families' lives as he’s making a difference for children in Oregon today. John tells us:
“On Tuesday morning, I can try to make a difference for a couple of children by giving them my time and attention as a SMART Reader. Hopefully, it helps them. I know it helps me.”

Pictured: SMART Reading volunteer John Lemon reading with a student at Griffin Creek Elementary in Medford this year.
John Lemon was recently nominated by our Griffin Creek Site Coordinator, Mary Wolf, for his outstanding contributions to the SMART Reading program. She shared that:
“John radiates positive energy in all his interactions with both children and adults and has an infectious way of communicating his belief in the importance of books and reading. Using humor, enthusiasm, and encouragement, along with conversations and questions that deepen understanding, he sparks interest and engagement in his SMART reading buddies.”

More than 50 years ago, John was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Central Africa (swipe for photo!) who taught farmers there how to raise fish in ponds as a protein source for their families. He made a difference in these families' lives as he’s making a difference for children in Oregon today. John tells us:
“On Tuesday morning, I can try to make a difference for a couple of children by giving them my time and attention as a SMART Reader. Hopefully, it helps them. I know it helps me.”

Books have the power to open windows into new worlds and hold up mirrors to our own experiences. To celebrate, we are spotlighting four beautiful books that our emerging readers love: The Spice Box, Maribel’s Year, Boys Don’t Fry, and Tokyo Night Parade!

Swipe through to see these vibrant stories, and click the link in our bio to learn how we bring inclusive content to classrooms across Oregon!

Books have the power to open windows into new worlds and hold up mirrors to our own experiences. To celebrate, we are spotlighting four beautiful books that our emerging readers love: The Spice Box, Maribel’s Year, Boys Don’t Fry, and Tokyo Night Parade!

Swipe through to see these vibrant stories, and click the link in our bio to learn how we bring inclusive content to classrooms across Oregon!

Books have the power to open windows into new worlds and hold up mirrors to our own experiences. To celebrate, we are spotlighting four beautiful books that our emerging readers love: The Spice Box, Maribel’s Year, Boys Don’t Fry, and Tokyo Night Parade!

Swipe through to see these vibrant stories, and click the link in our bio to learn how we bring inclusive content to classrooms across Oregon!

Books have the power to open windows into new worlds and hold up mirrors to our own experiences. To celebrate, we are spotlighting four beautiful books that our emerging readers love: The Spice Box, Maribel’s Year, Boys Don’t Fry, and Tokyo Night Parade!

Swipe through to see these vibrant stories, and click the link in our bio to learn how we bring inclusive content to classrooms across Oregon!

Happy to announce that the relaunch of the @smartreadingor 1:1 model at @mooberrycommunitycorral this school year has been a ROARING SUCCESS!

About 25 students were served each month, and they received over 300 new books to keep. 🙌📚 Eighteen community members volunteered their time reading 1:1 with the students and donated a total of over 325 volunteer hours. WoW! 🙌💯

❤️Thank you to Principal Pete Muilenburg for welcoming the SMART Reading program into your school once again this year! 📚❤️ Thank you to Sue Jarvis for stepping up to volunteer as the Mooberry Site Coordinator, the cornerstone of what makes a SMART program possible at each school. 🙌❤️ Thank you to the 18 weekly and substitute Readers who shared the gift of your time and your love of reading with the kinder and 1st grade students at Mooberry. 📚❤️ And thank you to the students for bringing your enthusiasm and excitement for reading with your volunteers each week! 📚❤️

It has been a joy to witness the 1:1 reading model relaunching at Mooberry for the first time since covid — there really is nothing more beautiful to my community- building heart than the magic (and power!) of intergenerational connection! 🙌❤️

The SMART 1:1 Reading program will return to Mooberry again next school year. If you would be interested in helping as a Reader (weekly or subsititute) or in another capacity, pls email me at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com 💌

Go Mooberry Mustangs! Go SMART Reading! Go Community! Go Students! Go Early Literacy! Go Community in Education! 🙌📚❤️🎉

@Just CreateCommunity #weareallconnected #webelongtogether #communityiseveryonetogether #readingtogethercreatescommunity #communityineducation

Happy to announce that the relaunch of the @smartreadingor 1:1 model at @mooberrycommunitycorral this school year has been a ROARING SUCCESS!

About 25 students were served each month, and they received over 300 new books to keep. 🙌📚 Eighteen community members volunteered their time reading 1:1 with the students and donated a total of over 325 volunteer hours. WoW! 🙌💯

❤️Thank you to Principal Pete Muilenburg for welcoming the SMART Reading program into your school once again this year! 📚❤️ Thank you to Sue Jarvis for stepping up to volunteer as the Mooberry Site Coordinator, the cornerstone of what makes a SMART program possible at each school. 🙌❤️ Thank you to the 18 weekly and substitute Readers who shared the gift of your time and your love of reading with the kinder and 1st grade students at Mooberry. 📚❤️ And thank you to the students for bringing your enthusiasm and excitement for reading with your volunteers each week! 📚❤️

It has been a joy to witness the 1:1 reading model relaunching at Mooberry for the first time since covid — there really is nothing more beautiful to my community- building heart than the magic (and power!) of intergenerational connection! 🙌❤️

The SMART 1:1 Reading program will return to Mooberry again next school year. If you would be interested in helping as a Reader (weekly or subsititute) or in another capacity, pls email me at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com 💌

Go Mooberry Mustangs! Go SMART Reading! Go Community! Go Students! Go Early Literacy! Go Community in Education! 🙌📚❤️🎉

@Just CreateCommunity #weareallconnected #webelongtogether #communityiseveryonetogether #readingtogethercreatescommunity #communityineducation

Happy to announce that the relaunch of the @smartreadingor 1:1 model at @mooberrycommunitycorral this school year has been a ROARING SUCCESS!

About 25 students were served each month, and they received over 300 new books to keep. 🙌📚 Eighteen community members volunteered their time reading 1:1 with the students and donated a total of over 325 volunteer hours. WoW! 🙌💯

❤️Thank you to Principal Pete Muilenburg for welcoming the SMART Reading program into your school once again this year! 📚❤️ Thank you to Sue Jarvis for stepping up to volunteer as the Mooberry Site Coordinator, the cornerstone of what makes a SMART program possible at each school. 🙌❤️ Thank you to the 18 weekly and substitute Readers who shared the gift of your time and your love of reading with the kinder and 1st grade students at Mooberry. 📚❤️ And thank you to the students for bringing your enthusiasm and excitement for reading with your volunteers each week! 📚❤️

It has been a joy to witness the 1:1 reading model relaunching at Mooberry for the first time since covid — there really is nothing more beautiful to my community- building heart than the magic (and power!) of intergenerational connection! 🙌❤️

The SMART 1:1 Reading program will return to Mooberry again next school year. If you would be interested in helping as a Reader (weekly or subsititute) or in another capacity, pls email me at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com 💌

Go Mooberry Mustangs! Go SMART Reading! Go Community! Go Students! Go Early Literacy! Go Community in Education! 🙌📚❤️🎉

@Just CreateCommunity #weareallconnected #webelongtogether #communityiseveryonetogether #readingtogethercreatescommunity #communityineducation

Happy to announce that the relaunch of the @smartreadingor 1:1 model at @mooberrycommunitycorral this school year has been a ROARING SUCCESS!

About 25 students were served each month, and they received over 300 new books to keep. 🙌📚 Eighteen community members volunteered their time reading 1:1 with the students and donated a total of over 325 volunteer hours. WoW! 🙌💯

❤️Thank you to Principal Pete Muilenburg for welcoming the SMART Reading program into your school once again this year! 📚❤️ Thank you to Sue Jarvis for stepping up to volunteer as the Mooberry Site Coordinator, the cornerstone of what makes a SMART program possible at each school. 🙌❤️ Thank you to the 18 weekly and substitute Readers who shared the gift of your time and your love of reading with the kinder and 1st grade students at Mooberry. 📚❤️ And thank you to the students for bringing your enthusiasm and excitement for reading with your volunteers each week! 📚❤️

It has been a joy to witness the 1:1 reading model relaunching at Mooberry for the first time since covid — there really is nothing more beautiful to my community- building heart than the magic (and power!) of intergenerational connection! 🙌❤️

The SMART 1:1 Reading program will return to Mooberry again next school year. If you would be interested in helping as a Reader (weekly or subsititute) or in another capacity, pls email me at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com 💌

Go Mooberry Mustangs! Go SMART Reading! Go Community! Go Students! Go Early Literacy! Go Community in Education! 🙌📚❤️🎉

@Just CreateCommunity #weareallconnected #webelongtogether #communityiseveryonetogether #readingtogethercreatescommunity #communityineducation

If you give a mouse a cookie... he’s probably going to ask for a good book to read with it! 🐭🍪📚

Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Today, we’re celebrating the ultimate reading snack. If you’ve ever sat by the oven waiting for a fresh batch to bake, you know it takes a lot of patience.

Our emerging readers get to practice that exact lesson with the book Cookie Time by @jessie_sima, where the characters have to learn the art of waiting patiently for their delicious treats to finally be ready. It's the sweetest way to learn a big life lesson!

If you give a mouse a cookie... he’s probably going to ask for a good book to read with it! 🐭🍪📚

Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Today, we’re celebrating the ultimate reading snack. If you’ve ever sat by the oven waiting for a fresh batch to bake, you know it takes a lot of patience.

Our emerging readers get to practice that exact lesson with the book Cookie Time by @jessie_sima, where the characters have to learn the art of waiting patiently for their delicious treats to finally be ready. It's the sweetest way to learn a big life lesson!

For shelter animals, finding comfort, connection, and a place where they feel loved can change everything—and our children need those same reminders, too. 👦🏿👦🏽👦🏻🐶👧🏻👧🏽👧🏿

This Back-to-School season, one young trailblazer is turning that message into a powerful conversation about compassion, belonging, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can change a life forever. 🌠

We're honored to announce that 12-Year-Old Children's Author & Philanthropist, @AmelieAnastasiaWriting, will be joining us as one of the featured authors & panelists at @PRFromTheHeart's Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026 (presented in partnership with @SMARTReadingOR)—taking place on Saturday, August 8th at @BN_Clackamas. 🤗

Amelie will be sharing her highly anticipated new children's book, Shelter Dogs (illustrated by @Talks_With_Dr_Shafer | published by @Little_House_Of_Dreams_Publish), as part of the event's morning session (beginning at 11AM PT)—featuring storytelling, meaningful moments, and special book signings for children & families. 👪🏻📖👪🏿

Plus, Amelie will be a part of our interactive author panel (beginning at 2PM PT), where she’ll discuss how today’s youth can embrace the power of their voices and share their stories with the world, how reading with pets helps strengthen kids' literacy skills and self-confidence, and how giving back can inspire the next generation—plus much more! ✨

For our friends & neighbors in Portland: You can meet Amelie in person, and get your copies of Shelter Dogs personally signed. Proceeds from this pawsitive story will be donated to animal shelters across the country. 🐾✍🏻🐾

The first 100 pre-registered attendees will receive a FREE children’s book, courtesy of @PRFromTHeHeart. 🎁

Seats are limited for this immersive day of storytelling, connection, & conversation with leading voices in children’s literature, including Tony Buttino Sr., @TheEmmys.TV Award–Winning Co-Creator of @ReadingRainbow & Co-Author of @CreatingReadingRainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series and @MrWolfComics, Eisner Award-Winning Author. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Secure your spot now via our bio link above. 🎟️

Shout out to our amazing volunteer Readers at Griffin Creek Elementary in Medford! SMART Reading volunteers are each a supportive and encouraging presence in students’ lives. And, as the crew at Griffin Creek show us, in each other’s as well! We are so grateful to have such a positive example of community at our Griffin Creek program!

This February, we opened a new SMART Reading program at Sacramento Elementary in outer Northeast Portland. The program is already thriving with 22 students and 7 new volunteers participating!
Huge shout-out to Site Coordinator, Sharon Olson, our volunteer Readers, and the amazing school librarian, Annie, who has committed so much time to helping coordinate and grow this new program!

This February, we opened a new SMART Reading program at Sacramento Elementary in outer Northeast Portland. The program is already thriving with 22 students and 7 new volunteers participating!
Huge shout-out to Site Coordinator, Sharon Olson, our volunteer Readers, and the amazing school librarian, Annie, who has committed so much time to helping coordinate and grow this new program!

This February, we opened a new SMART Reading program at Sacramento Elementary in outer Northeast Portland. The program is already thriving with 22 students and 7 new volunteers participating!
Huge shout-out to Site Coordinator, Sharon Olson, our volunteer Readers, and the amazing school librarian, Annie, who has committed so much time to helping coordinate and grow this new program!

Thanks to Squrl Curley for organizing the fantastic SMART benefit event at Double Mountain Brewery featuring Tad Robinson Blues Band with special guest Alex Schultz. The music was phenomenal, and Squrl gathered local donations to be auctioned. Thanks also to Kirby Neumann-Rea, longtime SMART advocate and social glue, who donated artwork for the auction and helped with set-up. And many thanks to the SMART volunteers who came out to support!

Thanks to Squrl Curley for organizing the fantastic SMART benefit event at Double Mountain Brewery featuring Tad Robinson Blues Band with special guest Alex Schultz. The music was phenomenal, and Squrl gathered local donations to be auctioned. Thanks also to Kirby Neumann-Rea, longtime SMART advocate and social glue, who donated artwork for the auction and helped with set-up. And many thanks to the SMART volunteers who came out to support!

Thanks to Squrl Curley for organizing the fantastic SMART benefit event at Double Mountain Brewery featuring Tad Robinson Blues Band with special guest Alex Schultz. The music was phenomenal, and Squrl gathered local donations to be auctioned. Thanks also to Kirby Neumann-Rea, longtime SMART advocate and social glue, who donated artwork for the auction and helped with set-up. And many thanks to the SMART volunteers who came out to support!

Thanks to Squrl Curley for organizing the fantastic SMART benefit event at Double Mountain Brewery featuring Tad Robinson Blues Band with special guest Alex Schultz. The music was phenomenal, and Squrl gathered local donations to be auctioned. Thanks also to Kirby Neumann-Rea, longtime SMART advocate and social glue, who donated artwork for the auction and helped with set-up. And many thanks to the SMART volunteers who came out to support!

Thanks to Squrl Curley for organizing the fantastic SMART benefit event at Double Mountain Brewery featuring Tad Robinson Blues Band with special guest Alex Schultz. The music was phenomenal, and Squrl gathered local donations to be auctioned. Thanks also to Kirby Neumann-Rea, longtime SMART advocate and social glue, who donated artwork for the auction and helped with set-up. And many thanks to the SMART volunteers who came out to support!

Thank you to all who participated in Lawyers for Literacy! Our campaign will remain open through the end of May, and we are so grateful for those who can help us reach our stretch goal and put more books in the hands of Oregon kids over the summer!

Walterville Elementary principal, Andy Price, sharing a book with a SMART Reading student last year.
The publication, Mckenzie River Reflections, recently featured our SMART program at Walterville in a story about how the school involves the community to improve students’ literacy rates. Walterville principal, Andy Price, credits SMART and our fantastic crew of dedicated volunteers for students’ excellent reading scores and 6% improvement this year.🥳
He tells us that in rural east Lane County, without book shops or a local library, "Every book we can get into the hands of these kids matters."📚🤗
Read the article here: https://www.mckenzieriverreflectionsnewspaper.com/story/2026/02/12/news/waltervilles-community-spirit-is-fueling-student-reading-success/8967.html