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We know. Reading never really went anywhere, but there's something special about the joy of reading sessions returning for another school year: The smile on a child's face when they realize they're reading with the same mentor as last year. The shy introduction between a new mentor and the student they're going to bond with over the next 9 months. The classroom packed with community members who care and little voices stumbling over words they're sounding out for the first time.
With your time and dedication, we're on track to bring Reading Mentoring to 100 classrooms across 33 partner schools! Together, we'll help inspire thousands of students to love reading and improve their skills while building confidence.
Bask in the feeling by watching a video from our first week. Then help us fill the gaps in recruitment by sharing the link below with a friend.
| | Tickets Now on Sale for The KC Book Fair | |
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When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 • 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Offices at Park 39 (formerly Westport Middle School), 300 E 39th St, KCMO 64111
Browse books and gifts from Rainy Day Books, chat with friends, and sip on a drink at The KC Book Fair, our all-ages fundraising event celebrating storytelling and community impact.
Ticket sales support Lead to Read KC programs, and fair purchases fund a free book fair for one Lead to Read KC partner school.
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Tickets available online or at the door. Guests under 18 attend free, no ticket required. For parking, FAQs and more, visit the event page.
Looking for another way in? Join the Honor Roll monthly giving program for at least $25/month by October 31, and we'll send you two free tickets!
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Win a Kansas City Chiefs helmet signed by Patrick Mahomes in our Premium Raffle! Only 200 tickets available at $50 each. Or try your luck in the General Raffle for $5 a ticket, or five for $20, with a variety of prizes on display at The KC Book Fair.
You do NOT need to be present to win.
Grab a Chance to Win →
| | | Introducing Three New Author Partners | Big news! Three authors have joined our Author Partnership program for the 2026-27 school year. Classroom visits kick off later this month, bringing children face-to-face with local authors exploring themes of identity, belonging, and emotional resilience. | |
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Croix Bethune
I am, I will, I can
Croix is an attacking midfielder for the Kansas City Current and the U.S. national team, and an Olympic gold medalist from the 2024 Games. In I am, I will, I can, she brings the same confidence and heart to the page, offering young people affirmations to help them dream big, trust themselves, and embrace who they are.
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Crystal Ellison
Aubri's Story: Rising Above Bullying
Crystal is an attorney, U.S. Air Force JAG officer, entrepreneur, and founder of Serenity Infinity Books. Inspired by her daughter, Bri’Yah Aubrielle, Aubri’s Story: Rising Above Bullying encourages children to face bullying with courage and kindness while embracing what makes them uniquely amazing.
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JQ Sirls
Big Blue
At age seven, JQ made a promise: no child would ever feel invisible in the stories that shape them. He went on to become an award-winning children's book author and illustrator, software engineer, animator, music producer, performer, choreographer, and entrepreneur. His book Big Blue is a heartwarming tale about never giving up on your dreams, no matter how big they are.
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TRIUMPH AT TRIVIA | The team Always the Bridesmaids wasn't the only winner at Trivia last month. Students across the metro will benefit from the Associate Board's successful fundraising event. Thank you to everyone who participated!
BOOK FULFILLMENT | Sign up to help fulfill book donation needs on Monday, November 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lead to Read KC office. Volunteers ages 12+ are welcome!
VOLUNTEER | Join our Outreach team to serve the community and help recruit Reading Mentors at local events year round.
LET'S GET SOCIAL | Follow Lead to Read KC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, and please like, subscribe, comment on, and share our posts.
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| Sisters Carol DiRaimo (left) and Cecelia Ball both attended Center Elementary as children. Now they're in their third year volunteering together there as mentors. | | | Creating a community of readers, one lunch hour at a time since 2011. | | | | |
