Literacy & Justice For All: Growing Personal Power Through Books

Books build more than knowledge – they build power. In this joyful workshop, middle school girls will explore the ways in which reading for fun can spark empathy, creativity, critical thinking and a passion for changemaking. The National Assessment of Educational Progress found that between 1984 and 2023, the percentage of kids aged 13 who read for pleasure almost every day decreased from 35% to 14%. Together, we will explore how reading for pleasure isn’t just fun, it’s a superpower!

Throughout the day, girls will have the opportunity to share about their favorite books and create community around reading. Casually discussing books requires strong synthesis, information retention, and analysis skills, all of which provide a sturdy foundation for critical thought. As a group, they will develop infrastructure that encourages others to join in their community of readers.

Participants will work together to build and decorate a wooden bench that will provide a community reading area. The day will end with a read-aloud party, featuring fresh, fun reads perfect for their summer shelves. Participants will leave this program with a new sense of community, the accomplishment of their collaborative creative project, and the powerful reminder that when girls read, the world gets better!

This isn’t just a workshop – this is a launchpad for bold ideas, new friendships, and the belief that girls can shape the future. Whether your child loves to read already or hasn’t caught the reading bug, this workshop will inspire them to be informed about and engaged with the world around them.