Tag: Black Boys Read

Fostering Community Through Stories

On June 23rd, The Equity Project School hosted a vibrant Spring into Literacy Day event, dedicated to promoting a love for reading and empowering young minds. Families and students gathered for an enriching day filled with literary activities and discussions. Program Manager Yami Guzman and Program Coordinator Melody Castillo engaged with families about the Barbershop … Continued

Woman standing in front of a desk with books on it smiling at a book giveaway event.

Promoting Healthy Emotions and Coping Skills Through Children’s Literature

Written by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd, Clinical Psychologist and Children’s Book Author As a psychologist, I am always looking for ways to teach my three young children about their emotions and ways to be aware of their thoughts and feelings. Understanding emotions is key to strengthening a child’s ability to cope and regulate stressors in … Continued

Author Melissa Boyd with her book B is for Breathe

Big news from Echoing Green 🌎

We are delighted to announce our founder and Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby, has been selected as an Echoing Green Fellowship Finalist and is included in their Social Impact Talent Report! Alvin is tremendously honored to join this group of exceptional global leaders dedicated to creating a brighter, more equitable future. 🌍✨ Read the report … Continued

Green graphic with 2023 in the background. Text on graphic reads: echoing green Social Impact Talent Report

SXSW EDU 2023

Early March 2023 Barbershop Books Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby, attended SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. Alvin participated in a panel titled Building Literacy Access for Black Boys where he discussed the factors that influence reading development and the importance of access to culturally-relevant content to improve reading interest and enhance the reading … Continued

Alvin Irby standing next to a book shelf infront of colorful wall with flowers. Text reads SXSW.

The Barbershop Books E-Library: Empowering Black and Brown Authors to Inspire Young Readers

In today’s digital age, e-books and online libraries have become increasingly popular. The internet makes it possible for people to access a vast collection of books and literature from the comfort of their own homes. Just like adults, children possess varying reading preferences, and some tend to be drawn towards electronic books and digital reading … Continued

Graphic with ipad and iphone. Text reads Barbershop books e-library empowering black and brown authors to inspire young readers

Free Library Foundation Community Impact Awards

Graphic with writing. Text reads Free community of philadelphia community impact awards early childhood literacy
Graphic with writing. Text reads Free community of philadelphia community impact awards early childhood literacy

We’re a Tools Competition finalist!

Barbershop Books is a Tools Competition finalist! We are one of 16 finalists in the Transforming Assessments track for our SEL-based reading identity exploration and assessment platform: Reading So Lit. The Transforming Assessments track of the Tools Competition supports tools that capture traditionally unmeasured elements of learning to better meet the needs of educators, children, and families.

We made it to the Discovery Round of the VITAL Prize Challenge! 🎉

We are excited to announce that Barbershop Books’ Reading So Lit Program has advanced to the Discovery Round of the VITAL Prize Challenge! The VITAL Prize Challenge is a multiphase challenge that supports teams developing learning technologies to build K-12 learning innovations for adoption nationwide. This $6 million prize challenge, administered by Digital Promise, is … Continued

Blue graphic with text on it. Text reads: Digital Promise, Vital Prize Challenge Powered by Digital Promise, Discovery Round Team Announced

Program Coordinator Spotlight

Meet Barbershop Books’ Philadelphia Program Coordinator Cynthia Richards! Cynthia is a lifelong Philadelphia resident. She is a proud alumna of Virginia Tech where she earned her bachelors degree in family and child development. She has spent most of her career working in community based organizations serving children and families. Cynthia is a wife and the mother of three boys. She loves to cook, craft and read.
Cynthia Richards standing behind a table of books at barbershop books giveaway event

Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day!

April 12th is D.E.A.R. Day! Standing for Drop Everything and Read Day, this special day is about putting aside all distractions and dedicating 30 minutes to reading! D.E.A.R. Day commemorates the memory of author Beverly Cleary. In her book “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” the main character, Ramona, establishes a nationwide initiative called D.E.A.R Day. Now … Continued

Three boys reading a book with a blue background. Text reads DEAR Day. Barbershop Books logo