Lets Begin

In the heart of Philadelphia, a profound transformation is taking place, one book at a time. Founded by Dr. Shelle Graves, a dedicated mother of three and grandmother of two, PhillyKidsRead.com is more than just a platform; it’s a movement dedicated to reigniting the passion for reading among the city’s youth, particularly those from marginalized communities.

The Educational Journey of Shelle Graves

Shelle Graves is a graduate of Temple University. She has a unique perspective on education, having guided her own children through a diverse array of schooling experiences that included homeschooling, public schools, and Christian schools in Philadelphia. This journey not only enriched her understanding of the educational landscape but also deepened her commitment to children’s literacy and development.

As her grandchildren entered the school system, she took an active role in their education and began substituting in local schools. It was here that she witnessed a troubling shift. The vibrant enthusiasm for reading she remembered from her children’s days was waning, overtaken by other distractions that diminished students’ engagement and academic performance.

Observing the Impact on Children

This decline in reading interest troubled Mrs. Graves deeply, as she saw its impact on children’s self-esteem, creativity, and overall educational experience. The contrast was stark compared to the environment her children had experienced, where reading was a cherished activity that opened doors to new worlds and possibilities.

Shelle knows the power of a good book. Raised by parents who were pioneers in their educational pursuits — both earned master’s degrees at a time when few African Americans did so — she was taught from a young age to value and cherish learning and reading. This familial legacy fueled her desire to ensure that future generations also experience the joy and empowerment that comes from reading

The Emotional Science of Reading: Insights from Dr. John Gottman

In addition to fostering literacy, Shelle is passionate about the emotional growth that reading can facilitate in children. Drawing inspiration from the work of renowned child psychologist Dr. John Gottman, PhillyKidsRead.com emphasizes the emotional benefits of storytelling. According to Dr. Gottman, storytelling plays a crucial role in helping children understand and manage their emotions. By reading about characters who experience fear, joy, sadness, or courage, children learn to identify these feelings in themselves and others. This emotional awareness is foundational to their development, leading to better behavior and stronger relationships

Setting a Grand Vision

Inspired by these insights, Shelle set a personal goal for her grandchildren: to read, or be read to, 5,000 books by the time they completed elementary school. This ambitious project was not just about quantity but about fostering a deep, enduring love for reading.

Realizing the potential of this vision to benefit more children, she founded PhillyKidsRead.com. Her mission was clear: to make reading accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.

PhillyKidsRead.com: More Than Just Books

PhillyKidsRead.com serves as a hub of inspiration, offering a diverse array of books, stories, and activities that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience. From interactive storytelling sessions to book clubs and reading challenges, the platform provides engaging opportunities for children to explore the magic of literature in ways that resonate with their unique interests and perspectives.

Shelle and her team work closely with schools, libraries, community organizations, and volunteers to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive as readers and learners. By fostering a culture of literacy and inclusion, PhillyKidsRead.com helps build brighter futures for young people, empowering them to write their own stories, one page at a time.

Why This Matters

The stakes are high. In Philadelphia, nearly 60% of third-graders are not reading at grade level, a statistic that reflects broader educational challenges. Without support, many of these children fall further behind each year. But PhillyKidsRead.com is about more than just literacy; it’s about fostering emotional growth and healthy development through the power of stories.

Children who engage with books learn about much more than words on a page; they learn about themselves and the world. They develop empathy, emotional awareness, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges. In this way, PhillyKidsRead.com is not just teaching children to read; it’s helping them learn to feel.

Harnessing the Power of Faith Communities

Recognizing the influential role of faith communities in nurturing youth, PhillyKidsRead.com incorporates a vital faith-based initiative in its mission. Dr. Shelle Graves’ extensive interactions with diverse religious groups have highlighted the potential of these communities to serve as transformative forces.

Faith-Based Reading Hubs

PhillyKidsRead.com envisions local Philadelphia faith communities as Reading Hubs—accessible centers where children and parents can connect with educational resources. This initiative taps into the suburban faith communities’ potential to bridge the resource gap through book and magazine drives, enhancing access to educational materials in urban areas.

Mobilizing Faith Leaders

Faith leaders, respected as moral and communal guides, are pivotal in this movement. Their endorsement of reading initiatives significantly boosts community participation and support, turning places of worship into vibrant centers of learning and literacy.

A Collective Effort for Educational Equity

By joining forces with faith communities, PhillyKidsRead.com aims to make reading accessible to all children in Philadelphia, fostering a city-wide network of support and resource sharing. This collaborative effort not only promotes literacy but also strengthens the communal bonds through shared goals and collective actions. Join us in this transformative journey to empower every child’s story, one book at a time.

Funding Our Mission at PhillyKidsRead.com

PhillyKidsRead.com is supported by a combination of individual donations, partnerships with local businesses, faith communities, and educational grants. These contributions are vital, providing both financial support and resources like space for our Reading Hubs and storage for books. This diverse funding base allows us to maintain and expand our literacy programs, reaching more children across Philadelphia. Through the generous support of our community and partners, we continue to foster a love of reading and learning in young minds. Join us in making a lasting impact—one book at a time.

Join Us on This Journey

The journey of PhillyKidsRead.com is just beginning, and there is much work to be done. We invite you to join us — donate books, volunteer your time, or become a community partner. Together, we can transform the landscape of literacy in Philadelphia and beyond, making reading a universal joy for all.

Stay connected with us through our newsletter and social media channels, and help us spread the word about the powerful impact of reading. Every book donated, every story told, every child’s imagination kindled marks another step toward a brighter, more literate future.

PhillyKidsRead.com: Where every book opens a door to a new possibility. Join us on this transformative journey to empower every child’s story, one book at a time.