Bringing Families Closer, One Book at a Time
At Worldreader, we know that behind every child who discovers the magic of reading, there’s a family making it possible. The Let’s Get Children Reading Grant has helped parents, grandparents, and siblings transform reading into a shared family experience that builds bonds and literacy skills.
Through BookSmart, our free digital reading platform, families are finding new ways to connect over stories while overcoming common barriers like busy schedules, language differences, and limited access to books.
Bilingual Bonding
VOCEL | Chicago, IL
Liliana, a stay-at-home mom raising 18-month-old Jordan and his older sibling, wanted a way to involve the whole family in Jordan’s early learning. When she was introduced to BookSmart, it changed the way her family reads together.
The family uses BookSmart daily, in both English and Spanish, helping Jordan with language development and giving Liliana the chance to improve her own English skills. “Jordan recognizes the app now,” she shares proudly. “He babbles along and points at the pictures.”
Whether they’re in the car, at the doctor’s office, or relaxing at home, BookSmart makes shared reading easy and accessible. “It’s a blessing,” Liliana says. “Especially on cold Chicago days when we can’t make it to the library, BookSmart is always right there.”
A Mother’s Mission
Bridge 2 Hope Parent Institute | St. Louis, MO
Ebony started reading to her son Egypt, 3, before he was born, believing that the rhythm of her voice and the stories would create an early connection to language. But finding books that reflected their culture while engaging a toddler proved challenging—until BookSmart.
“It felt like the missing piece,” Ebony explains. Since they started reading together on BookSmart, Egypt’s language skills and academic scores have soared. Once thought to be nonverbal, he now speaks in full sentences.
“Egypt loves BookSmart and I’ve grown as a parent too. I ask more questions, we discuss the stories—it’s changed how we read.”
Ebony, BookSmart Parent
Ebony has also shared BookSmart with friends, helping build a culture of reading in her community. “Each one, teach one,” she says. “This is how we change things.”
Reading Adventures with Grandma
Troup Family Connection, Inc/Get Troup Reading | LaGrange, GA
Nicole, an early childhood educator and devoted grandmother, brings the power of reading into her grandchildren’s lives. “I spend a great deal of time with them each week,” she shares. “Being an early childhood educator, I know the importance of reading to children, and with children, as they are learning to read themselves.”
Although initially hesitant about screen-based reading, Nicole has found BookSmart to be a valuable part of their routine. “Using BookSmart has given me more time to sit with my grandchildren and share my love of reading,” she says.
BookSmart’s creative activity suggestions—like building a fort after finishing a story—have led to memorable experiences they all cherish.
Finding Family Time in Bedtime Stories
Hoosier Uplands | Orleans, IN
When kindergartner Korbyn discovered BookSmart through his after-school program, he couldn’t wait to try it at home. He quickly asked his mom to download it so they could continue reading together each night before bed.
“He gets to choose the book,” his mom says. “That makes it special.” Whether it’s tales of haunted houses or mountain-moving adventures, Korbyn is thrilled to share what they’re reading at school the next day.
Learning Together Across Generations and Languages
Crete Public Schools | Crete, NE
Soledad, a mother of two and caregiver for her father, is using BookSmart to support her daughter Maria’s learning—and her own. Originally from Mexico, Soledad is learning English alongside Maria. “My daughter helps read to our baby,” she shares, “and I’m learning English from her as we read together.”
BookSmart is improving their reading skills while also strengthening their connection to Spanish. Reading stories in Spanish also helps Maria stay connected to her Spanish-speaking grandfather. “My daughter is learning Spanish and I can help her with meanings.”
Maria’s fluency has improved, her confidence has grown, and Soledad sees the difference every day. “BookSmart helps us learn new words and talk about ideas. It helps us share.”
Creating a Culture of Reading
These families share a commitment to making reading a priority, despite busy schedules and everyday challenges. BookSmart has empowered them to access quality books anytime, anywhere—turning waiting rooms, bedtime, and after-school hours into meaningful literacy moments.
As Ebony puts it, reading needs to be seen as “cool” again—something families look forward to and prioritize. By offering a digital library of diverse, engaging books, BookSmart is helping to build a culture where literacy is valued and reading together becomes a cherished part of the day.
Through our work and initiatives like the Let’s Get Children Reading Grant, we’re proud to support families in nurturing a lifelong love of reading—building the skills children need to thrive while strengthening family bonds through the timeless power of stories.
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