We inspire kids to identify as readers
The Barbershop Books program is an award-winning family and community engagement model that helps mission-aligned organizations, such as libraries, school districts, city governments, and local nonprofits, implement early literacy programming in neighborhood barbershops – a culturally meaningful space for Black boys.
This reading identity development program uses boy-approved books to create child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops. Participating barbershops receive early literacy training and branded materials, increasing access to male reading role models and out-of-school time reading opportunities.
Our first-of-its-kind reading identity development platform Reading So Lit is a strengths-based reading intervention for grades PK-5. This web-based tool leverages multimedia, social-emotional learning, and artificial intelligence to support holistic reading personalization and student-driven decision making.
Reading So Lit is the winner of Tools Competition’s 2023 Catalyst Award and is a New Schools Venture Fund 2024 Learning Solutions grantee.
The Barbershop Books E-Library features fun storytime videos and high-quality, independently published e-books from diverse authors.
The Beautyshop Books program is a joyful celebration of stories that center, affirm, and uplift Black girls and other vulnerable children. Our curated book lists are designed to spark confidence and a love of reading, the program features a curated list of books highlighting whimsical adventures and bold journeys of self-discovery.
