Reading Is Fundamental Unveils the 6th Annual Rally to Read 100 Initiative
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the premier children's literacy nonprofit in the United States, has officially launched its sixth annual initiative—Rally to Read 100. Set to run from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, this initiative is designed to inspire children across the nation to embrace reading through a variety of engaging activities, including author read-alouds, book giveaways, and themed challenges. As RIF approaches its milestone 60th anniversary in November 2026, it aims to foster a love for reading that can resonate through generations.
The Rally to Read 100 initiative emphasizes the importance of reading by challenging children, classrooms, and families to collectively read 100 books over a six-month period. Participants will have access to a host of resources to help them meet this ambitious goal. The campaign is particularly relevant in today's landscape where fostering engagement and interest in reading is crucial.
The 2026 edition of Rally to Read 100 is bolstered by an exciting lineup of distinguished authors and illustrators, including Joanna Ho, Peter H. Reynolds, Rae Wynn-Grant, Devin Elle Kurtz, and others. These celebrated figures in the literary world are not just role models but are also instrumental in captivating young imaginations, encouraging children to lose themselves in the pages of books.
Following the success of the previous year's campaign which reached over 700,000 children, RIF is set to unite families and communities through a range of activities, supported by an accessible platform. Each month of the initiative features unique themes—such as Community, Sustainability, Celebration, Responsibility, Changemakers, and Innovation—paired with corresponding author read-alouds and supplementary reading materials.
As part of the Rally to Read 100, RIF will also be conducting a nationwide book sweepstakes, offering a chance for 100 educators to win bundles of high-quality books donated by Barnes & Noble. This initiative is designed to enhance classroom libraries and inspire a new generation of readers.
Breaking down barriers to literacy is a key focus for RIF. As such, free literacy resources, including Spanish-language materials, will be available to educators and families alike—ensuring that all children can engage meaningfully with the stories and lessons within each book. This comprehensive outreach is vital in creating an inclusive reading environment.
The culmination of the Rally to Read 100 will coincide with National Reading Month in March 2027. In recognition of this month dedicated to promoting reading, RIF will host a live nationwide celebration, further engaging families and classrooms through interactive events simulcast from a Barnes & Noble store located in New York City. This event will highlight the achievements of participants and reinforce the community spirit fostered through the campaign.
Alicia Levi, President and CEO of RIF, expressed her enthusiasm about this year's campaign. "As we enter the sixth year of Rally to Read and celebrate RIF's 60th anniversary, we are building on six decades of inspiring children to discover the joy and power of reading. Rally to Read brings that mission to life by providing educators and families engaging ways to connect children with great books and meaningful reading experiences."
Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Books at Barnes & Noble, emphasized the importance of their long-standing collaboration with RIF, stating, "Reading is such a core part of growing up, and partnering with RIF, whose commitment to children's literacy is terrific, has been a wonderful way to continue the conversation and highlight books in the classroom." This collaboration reinforces the idea that teamwork between organizations can have a lasting impact on the literacy landscape.
Ultimately, Rally to Read 100 aims to eliminate obstacles to reading and learning, thereby empowering every child with the skills they need for future success. The initiative's model demonstrates how communal efforts can nurture a love for reading and literacy, opening doors for children to explore new ideas and adventures through literature. With nearly 430 million books and reading resources delivered since its inception in 1966, RIF continues to be a transformative force in children's literacy, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
The Rally to Read 100 initiative emphasizes the importance of reading by challenging children, classrooms, and families to collectively read 100 books over a six-month period. Participants will have access to a host of resources to help them meet this ambitious goal. The campaign is particularly relevant in today's landscape where fostering engagement and interest in reading is crucial.
The 2026 edition of Rally to Read 100 is bolstered by an exciting lineup of distinguished authors and illustrators, including Joanna Ho, Peter H. Reynolds, Rae Wynn-Grant, Devin Elle Kurtz, and others. These celebrated figures in the literary world are not just role models but are also instrumental in captivating young imaginations, encouraging children to lose themselves in the pages of books.
Following the success of the previous year's campaign which reached over 700,000 children, RIF is set to unite families and communities through a range of activities, supported by an accessible platform. Each month of the initiative features unique themes—such as Community, Sustainability, Celebration, Responsibility, Changemakers, and Innovation—paired with corresponding author read-alouds and supplementary reading materials.
As part of the Rally to Read 100, RIF will also be conducting a nationwide book sweepstakes, offering a chance for 100 educators to win bundles of high-quality books donated by Barnes & Noble. This initiative is designed to enhance classroom libraries and inspire a new generation of readers.
Breaking down barriers to literacy is a key focus for RIF. As such, free literacy resources, including Spanish-language materials, will be available to educators and families alike—ensuring that all children can engage meaningfully with the stories and lessons within each book. This comprehensive outreach is vital in creating an inclusive reading environment.
The culmination of the Rally to Read 100 will coincide with National Reading Month in March 2027. In recognition of this month dedicated to promoting reading, RIF will host a live nationwide celebration, further engaging families and classrooms through interactive events simulcast from a Barnes & Noble store located in New York City. This event will highlight the achievements of participants and reinforce the community spirit fostered through the campaign.
Alicia Levi, President and CEO of RIF, expressed her enthusiasm about this year's campaign. "As we enter the sixth year of Rally to Read and celebrate RIF's 60th anniversary, we are building on six decades of inspiring children to discover the joy and power of reading. Rally to Read brings that mission to life by providing educators and families engaging ways to connect children with great books and meaningful reading experiences."
Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Books at Barnes & Noble, emphasized the importance of their long-standing collaboration with RIF, stating, "Reading is such a core part of growing up, and partnering with RIF, whose commitment to children's literacy is terrific, has been a wonderful way to continue the conversation and highlight books in the classroom." This collaboration reinforces the idea that teamwork between organizations can have a lasting impact on the literacy landscape.
Ultimately, Rally to Read 100 aims to eliminate obstacles to reading and learning, thereby empowering every child with the skills they need for future success. The initiative's model demonstrates how communal efforts can nurture a love for reading and literacy, opening doors for children to explore new ideas and adventures through literature. With nearly 430 million books and reading resources delivered since its inception in 1966, RIF continues to be a transformative force in children's literacy, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
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