READING IS FUNDAMENTAL LAUNCHES FIFTH ANNUAL NATIONWIDE READING ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE "RALLY TO READ 100"

Six months of author read-alouds, free literacy activities, book giveaways, and a nationwide challenge to read 100 books.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's leading children's literacy nonprofit, today announced the launch of the fifth annual Rally to Read 100 (www.RallytoRead.org) coinciding with RIF's 60^th anniversary in 2026. The six-month initiative, running October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, is designed to inspire the joy of reading and motivate children nationwide to take on the challenge of reading 100 books.

Building on the success of last year's campaign, which engaged more than 600,000 children, RIF will once again unite classrooms and communities with monthly reading themes, exclusive author read-alouds, nationwide book sweepstakes, and free literacy resources for both families and educators. This year will also feature a live, nationwide celebration in March 2026 simulcast from the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City in honor of National Reading Month.

New research shows that fewer parents are reading aloud with their children—a practice proven to strengthen vocabulary, boost listening skills, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. RIF is committed to reversing this trend through Rally to Read, which launches with a special welcome video from award-winning author and songwriter Emily Arrow and is supported by Inspiration Partners Barnes & Noble, Macy's, and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation as well as exclusive publishing partner, Penguin Random House. 

"As we enter the fifth year of Rally to Read and prepare to celebrate RIF's 60^th anniversary in 2026, we're building on incredible momentum to help children everywhere discover the joy and power of reading," said Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental. "This initiative is more than a reading challenge—it's a movement that sparks curiosity, strengthens literacy skills, and brings communities together around the magic of books. With the support of our partners and passionate advocates, Rally to Read continues to create meaningful opportunities for children to connect with stories that reflect both themselves and the world around them."

"Barnes & Noble is truly happy to support Reading Is Fundamental's Rally to Read campaign for four years running," said Shannon DeVito, Senior Director Books at Barnes & Noble. "We are proud to consistently champion the commitment RIF has in spotlighting children's literacy for classrooms (and beyond) and sparking a love of reading in our youngest students nationwide."

"For more than 20 years, Macy's and Reading Is Fundamental have partnered to provide youth with access to books and resources, promoting a love of reading for children nationwide," said Sam Di Scipio, Macy's, Inc. senior director, social impact. "As part of our social commitment, Mission Every One, we are proud to partner on initiatives like Rally to Read as we work to empower the leaders of tomorrow."

RALLY TO READ 100 PROGRAM ELEMENTS

• Challenge to Read 100 Books: Students and families are invited to meet the challenge of reading 100 books over six months, with resources and recommendations provided along the way.
• Book Sweepstakes: 100 randomly selected educators will each win 100 high-quality books donated by Barnes & Noble, totaling 10,000 books for schools and youth-serving organizations.
• Monthly Themes & Read-Alouds: From community and imagination to wellness and nature, each month offers free activities, resources (including Spanish-language options), and video read-alouds by bestselling authors and illustrators.
• Complementary Reading Activities: Classroom and at-home resources are available for educators and families to use for continued reading engagement throughout the program.
• National Reading Month Celebration: A live, nationwide event simulcast from Barnes & Noble Union Square in March 2026 will mark the culmination of the campaign, featuring special guests and celebrations streamed into homes and classrooms.

FEATURED READ-ALOUDS

Books from Penguin Random House and Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks reflecting the month themes include:

October (Community):

Drew Daywalt, Author of The Day the Crayons Made Friends
Devin Elle Kurtz, Author of The Bakery Dragon

November (Nature)

Matthew Cordell, Author of To See an Owl
Bess Kalb, Author of Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo

December (Celebration)

Jan Brett, Author of The Nutcracker
Jessica Kulekjian, Author of Yay!

January (Wellness)

Max Greenfield, Author of Good Night Thoughts
Jana Curll, Author of My Path

February (Changemakers)

Daniel Berstrom, Author of The Cookie Vote
Kelly Corrigan & Claire Corrigan Lichty, Authors of Marianne the Maker

March (Imagination)

Dean Robbins, Author of Margaret and the Moon
Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard, Authors of The Day the Books Disappeared

Reading Is Fundamental is proud to recognize the generous support of its partners: Inspiration Partners include Barnes & Noble, Macy's and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation; and Promotional Partners include the American Association of School Librarians, Every Child a Reader, Children's Book Council, Kiwanis International, Little Free Library, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Nickelodeon, Penguin Random House, Reading Partners, and United Through Reading.

About Reading Is Fundamental
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to creating a nation of lifelong readers by inspiring the joy of reading among all children, putting them on the path to becoming skilled readers. We provide free, high-quality content to engage children, educators, families, and literacy advocates in the solution to the U.S. literacy crisis—so that every child has the fundamentals for success. As the nation's leading children's literacy nonprofit, RIF has provided nearly 430 million books and reading resources to over 212 million children since 1966, impacting generations of children. In 2026, RIF proudly celebrates 60 years of inspiring the joy of reading and putting books in the hands of children across the nation. Explore our results and learn more about partnering with us at www.RIF.org.

SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.