Author: Alvin Irby

10 Books that Inspire Black Boys to Read – List 4

Discover the fourth installment of our monthly book list, packed with stories that ignite curiosity and empower young readers to embrace the joy of reading.

10 Books that Inspire Black Boys to Read – List 3

Barbershop Books curated this fun book list just for you! #HelpTheBabiesRead

Meet the Reading So Lit Characters: Inspiring Young Readers Everywhere

At Barbershop Books, we believe every child should see themselves in the stories they read. That’s why our Reading So Lit® platform introduces Darius, Mateo, April, and Yen—diverse and relatable characters who make reading a fun, meaningful, and personal experience for PK-5 learners. This innovative platform goes beyond traditional reading programs, helping kids discover their unique preferences and develop a reading identity that turns literacy into a source of joy and empowerment. Let’s meet the characters who bring this journey to life!

7 Tips to Inspire Young Readers

At Barbershop Books, we envision a future where every child identifies as a reader and finds joy in learning. Here are some practical ways to foster a love for reading in your home and make it a cherished daily habit.

Barbershop Books Awarded $200K NewSchools Grant to Advance Reading So Lit Platform

Barbershop Books, a national literacy nonprofit dedicated to inspiring Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 learning solutions grant from NewSchools Venture Fund to advance the development and evaluation of Reading So Lit, a groundbreaking reading identity development tool for grades PK-5. This strengths-based reading intervention helps teachers create personalized reading experiences that recognize the whole child, their families, and the communities in which they live. It also accelerates reading achievement by improving social and emotional elements of reading, which research has shown to accelerate reading achievement among students experiencing poverty.

Barbershop Books, Inc. Welcomes Two New Board Members

Barbershop Books is delighted to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors: Heidi Hamilton, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Urban Resources Institute; and Mark Lowe, former attorney and Boston Public Schools educator. The board plays a crucial role in guiding our organization's mission to cultivate a love of reading and the reading identity of Black boys and other children of color. With their combined expertise and passion, Heidi and Mark will be instrumental in shaping our future and expanding our impact.

Barbershop Books, Micron Technology, and George Mason University Team Up for a Day of Impact at General Heiser Boys & Girls Club

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of a remarkable community event held on August 8, 2024, at the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries, VA. Barbershop Books partnered with Micron Technology and LEAP Team Up to create a day filled with literacy, STEM education, and personal grooming. The General Heiser Boys & Girls Club has captured the magic of the day in their latest newsletter, detailing the joy, excitement, and impact of this unforgettable collaboration. Dive into the full story and see how we came together to inspire and empower young minds!

Celebrate Love Your Bookshop Day By Supporting Local Bookstores

It’s Love Your Bookshop Day! In a world where online shopping and digital downloads are just a click away, the charm of a local bookstore might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, there’s something undeniably magical about stepping into a bookstore, the smell of freshly printed pages mingling with the soft hum of discovery in the air. On Love Your Bookshop Day, Barbershop Books would like you to remind you of the unique role these community hubs play in our lives and why supporting them is more important than ever.

Smooth the Back-to-School Transition With These 7 Reading Tips

As summer winds down, it's time to shift gears and get ready for the new school year. For many kids, that means dusting off their backpacks, sharpening pencils, and, of course, diving back into their reading routines. But how can we make sure they stay excited about reading during this transition? Here are seven practical tips to keep the love of reading alive as school starts up again.

Fun Reads & Football: Inspiring Change With The National Football League