Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Reflecting on past milestones while embracing changes for the future
Big things are happening at Kids Read Now!
Firstly, we invite everyone to join us in welcoming Kristen Walter as the new Kids Read Now Chief Executive Officer.
In addition to new leadership, our literacy program for K-5 students several significant growth milestones. These wins show Kids Read Now’s commitment to improving reading scores, especially curbing the summer slide.
Let’s reflect on these past wins as Kids Read Now gears up for summer 2024.
Growth shows the strength of the program and its leadership
Over the past two years, Kids Read Now has experienced remarkable growth — a true testament to its leadership.
Here are just a few of the milestones we’ve achieved together with students, families, and schools…
- A 19% increase in revenue from $4.7 million in 2022 to $5.6 million in 2023
- Reaching our 1 millionth child participating in the program
- Gifting more books in 2023 than any year before
- A boost in net assets
Consequently, we take deep pride in these growth milestones, as they solidify Kids Read Now’s position as a driving force in promoting childhood literacy.
“Kids Read Now can more than eradicate the entire two months of summer learning loss experienced by low-income students.”
Dr. Borman is a leading education researcher with a focus on educational outcomes, education policy, and education inequality. He led research into the effects of Kids Read Now. The summary conclusion of his study states:
“When students and parents take advantage of the full complement of 9 books delivered by Kids Read Now, the results are…equivalent to approximately 2.5 months of learning, or nearly 28% of the learning that takes place over a typical school year.” In short, “Kids Read Now can more than eradicate the entire two months of summer learning loss experienced by low-income students.”
Welcoming our new CEO with extensive education experience
As Kids Read Now enters a new era, we welcome new CEO Kristen Walter. Kristen’s experience in education and passion for creating partnerships that benefit all children showcase how she’s poised to lead the organization to even greater heights.
“I am honored to join the incredible team at Kids Read Now and to continue the mission of improving childhood literacy. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to the books and resources they need to develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Kristen Walter, Kids Read Now CEO
More than two decades of growth and passion
Further, Kristen’s impressive career in education and literacy services spans more than 20 years. She has worked as a teacher and in arts integration. Moreover, she served in such notable positions as Director of US Programs for Worldreader, Director of Education for Reading In Motion, and Teaching and Learning Manager for Crayola.
In addition, her expertise in access to bilingual materials, family literacy development, and play-based learning have been showcased through various podcasts, presentations, and publications.
With a passion for program growth, organizational development, and increasing access to quality literacy for children, Kristen’s goals fall in sync with Kids Read Now’s. That is, she’s committed to the mission of closing reading gaps through book choice, engagement, and increasing independent reading outside of school time.
With our deepest gratitude…
Along with celebrating milestones, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leib Lurie. Leib’s vision and dedication have been instrumental to Kids Read Now’s success for well over a decade now.
“My wife Barb and I are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as co-founders at Kids Read Now and we are confident that Kristen will lead the organization to even greater success. I look forward to supporting her and the team as we continue to positively impact the lives of children through the power of reading.”
Leib Lurie, Kids Read Now CEO Emeritus, Co-Founder, Board President
You can learn more about the Luries and their work — both past and present — at Kids Read Now.
New leader, same mission
Our program is about ensuring all students have access to books all year, empowering them with choice, and inspiring a lifelong love of reading. It’s a game-changer for kids and their families.
And Kids Read Now is not slowing down.
Both Kristen and Leib believe wholeheartedly in the mission of improving childhood literacy.
As Kids Read Now transitions leaders, we still commit to providing K-5 students with popular books they choose to read, delivered straight to their mailboxes, with parent reading guides and comprehension materials informed by current research, like the Science of Reading.
Please reach out if you’d like more information about our program, partnership opportunities, or supporting the mission through donation.
Christina Brownlee
Kids Read Now Marketing Director
christina.brownlee@kidsreadnow.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Kristen Walter assumed the role of CEO — Chief Executive Officer — of Kids Read Now as of May 2024. Kristen Walter has over 20 years of experience in education, holding notable positions such as Director of US Programs for Worldreader, Director of Education for Reading In Motion, and Teaching and Learning Manager for Crayola. Her passions include program growth, organizational development, and increasing access to quality literacy for children.
Answer: With Kristen Walter as the new CEO, Kids Read Now aims to continue its mission of improving childhood literacy, providing access to books for K-5 students, and fostering a lifelong love of reading. Kristen’s expertise in bilingual education, family development, and play-based learning will help the organization to provide access to an even larger range of schools and their communities.
Answer: Leib Lurie, co-founder of Kids Read Now and its former CEO, will continue to provide guidance as the board president, supporting Kristen Walter and the team in their endeavors. Barb Lurie, co-founder of Kids Read Now and Leib’s spouse, will continue to serve the organization as a board member.
Answer: If you’re part of a school, district, or education agency, you can partner with Kids Read Now to provide year-round free books mailed directly to students’ homes to promote independent reading outside of school time and ensure all students have access to high-quality literature of their choosing.
Anyone is welcome to learn more about the program at www.kidsreadnow.org and support the non-profit organization with donations. Contact Marketing Director Christina Brownlee via email at christina.brownlee@kidsreadnow.org.