
The power of one book
Nourishing a child’s mind in the first 10 years of their life is as essential as feeding their body. New scientific research confirms that what happens to a child’s brain in their earliest years shapes the adults they become, the success they achieve, and the contributions they make to our economy and society. Unfortunately, too many of our kids today are not getting the nourishment they need.
Millions of kids are growing up in a Zip code where illiteracy is common and the ownership of a single book is rare.
At USA Reads, we want every child to have at least one book, so that they can begin to find the joy of reading.
Why books?
6-year-old Juan is one of millions of children living in an underserved zip code in America and doesn’t own a single book. Actually,60 percent of children from low income backgrounds are facing illiteracy and a reading gap due to living in homes without a single book.
The evidence is clear. The ability to learn to read is the single most significant factor to allow a child to reach their full potential. At USA Reads, we strive to close the literacy gap and see kids discover a love and habit of reading. We are specifically focused on children from African American, Latino, ethnic minorities and low-income backgrounds.

Unlocking Literacy: The Critical Impact of Early Reading Proficiency

66%

65%
.

54%
of adults between the ages of 16 and 74 years old lack proficiency in literacy (Reading below a 6th grade level).

$2.2 trillion

125TH
The US ranks 125th out of 194 other countries in literacy rate. (Percentage of the population over 15 who can read and write).

The power of one book
Nourishing a child’s mind in the first 10 years of their life is as essential as feeding their body. New scientific research confirms that what happens to a child’s brain in their earliest years shapes the adults they become, the success they achieve, and the contributions they make to our economy and society. Unfortunately, too many of our kids today are not getting the nourishment they need.
Millions of kids are growing up in a Zip code where illiteracy is common and the ownership of a single book is rare.
At USA Reads, we want every child to have at least one book, so that they can begin to find the joy of reading.
Get in touch
712 H Street NE Suite 2013
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone number: 815-451-5561
info@USAReads.org
North America World Literacy Foundation 501 (c) 3 EIN 46-1201100

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USA Reads is a national initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, a peak international charitable organization operating in USA, Canada, Latin America, United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, and Australia. www.worldliteracyfoundation.org We are striving to eradicate illiteracy by 2040, one book at a time. North America World Literacy Foundation 501 (c) 3 EIN 46-1201100