Rally to Read
2025 Reading Challenge
& Read-Aloud Books for Kids
What Is Rally to Read?
Rally to Read is Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) nationwide initiative designed to inspire families, educators, and communities to read together. Each year, Rally to Read brings children across the country exciting author read-alouds, themed monthly activities, and the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Reading Challenge. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, Rally to Read offers the resources you need to make reading aloud fun, consistent, and meaningful.
Our Mission
At RIF, our mission is to ensure every child in America has the opportunity to own books, develop strong reading habits, and build the literacy skills that unlock future success. Rally to Read is one of the ways we bring this mission to life. By combining read-aloud books for kids, interactive activities, and a national reading challenge, we aim to spark a love of reading and help close the literacy gap for children everywhere. Interested in helping to inspire the joy of reading? Learn more about ways to help here.
Read-Aloud FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children?
Reading aloud is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to boost a child’s literacy and learning. Just 15 minutes a day can:
- Expand vocabulary and language development
- Strengthen listening and comprehension skills
- Spark imagination and curiosity
- Support social-emotional growth
- Build positive associations with books
Why Does Reading Aloud Matter?
When children hear stories read-aloud, they are introduced to new words, ideas, and ways of thinking that they may not encounter in everyday conversation. Reading aloud also creates shared experiences that strengthen family and classroom bonds.
How Do I Choose the Best Read-Aloud Books for Kids?
The best books are those that capture children’s attention while also introducing new ideas and vocabulary. Consider:
- Stories with engaging illustrations and themes
- Books just above your child's independent reading level
- A mix of fiction, nonfiction, and diverse voices
- Topics your child loves, whether that's animals, outer space or adventure
Check out this year’s Rally to Read themed read-aloud book suggestions.
How Do I Make Reading Aloud Fun?
Transform story time into an interactive experience by:
- Using character voices and sound effects
- Asking open-ended questions as you read
- Connecting stories to real-world experiences
- Creating a cozy, consistent routine
Download our free Rally to Read puzzles and games resource to support the monthly themed read-aloud books. Check out RIF’s puzzle creator to make reading together even more fun.
Rally to Read FAQs
Who Can Participate in Rally to Read?
Rally to Read is open to everyone from families, classrooms, schools, and communities nationwide.
When Does Rally to Read Take Place?
The 2025 Reading Challenge runs from October 2025 through March 2026, giving participants six months of engaging themes, read-alouds, and activities.
How Do I Sign Up for Rally to Read?
Great news! You don’t need to sign up. All you need to do is visit RallytoRead.org to get access to free reading logs, author videos, activities, and certificates to celebrate progress.
Where Can I Learn More?
Explore the Rally to Read website for free resources, event updates, and stories from participating families and educators.
Read-Aloud Articles from RIF.org
- Why I Read Aloud to my Children (and Think You Should Too)
- Expert Advice: Helping Your Child Learn to Read Aloud
- How Reading Improves the Health of Kids and Adults Alike
Rally to Read Articles from RIF.org
- Interview With Reading Is Fundamental’s Jennifer Moone, VP of Marketing & Partnerships
- Inspiring Change with Nickelodeon Our World
- Reading Is Fundamental Launches Fourth Annual Nationwide Reading Engagement Initiative "Rally to Read 100"
Reading Challenge Tips and Resources
Looking for ways to make the 2025-26 Reading Challenge fun and achievable? With a little creativity, families, classrooms, and libraries can turn it into an exciting adventure.
Here are some tips to get started:
- Set clear goals: Aim to read a certain number of books each week or month. Families can pledge to finish two to three read aloud books weekly, while classrooms might set a group goal of 100 books by March.
- Use a tracker: Download our free reading challenge printable log to keep kids motivated. Watching progress build over time makes reading more rewarding.
- Add rewards: Celebrate milestones with small incentives like stickers, certificates, or a special family activity.
- Follow the monthly themes: Rally to Read provides six themes with author videos, activities, and booklists. Choosing books around each theme keeps the challenge fresh.
- Create community: Libraries and classrooms can host reading circles or post progress charts so children can cheer each other on.
- Skybrary: Looking for fresh new books to read? Check out RIF’s new website and app Skybrary where you can get access to 100 free books.
By turning reading into a shared challenge, kids develop consistency and excitement about books.
Author Read Aloud Spotlights
One of the most exciting parts of Rally to Read is storytime with authors! Each month, popular children’s authors share a read aloud video that brings their books to life. Kids get to see and hear the storytellers behind their favorite adventures.
Highlights include:
October (Community)
November (Nature)
December (Celebration)
| January (Wellness)
February (Changemakers)
March (Imagination)
|
These children’s authors read aloud videos give kids direct access to the magic of storytelling and encourage them to keep exploring books.
Start Your Reading Journey Today
Join Rally to Read and make reading a joyful habit. With free monthly read-alouds from beloved authors, themed activities, and the 2025-26 Reading Challenge, you’ll have everything you need to inspire a lifelong love of books.
Visit Rally to Read and take the 2025-2026 Reading Challenge today!