This Women’s History Month, R2S celebrates the power of education, courage, creativity, and voice. The books below highlight girls and women who discover their strength, embrace who they are, and use learning as a tool to change their worlds. From scientists and poets to activists and everyday girls finding confidence, these stories remind young readers that their ideas matter and that they can begin shaping history right now. ​

Read 2 Succeed is proud to recommend My Superhero Aurie, a joyful and affirming picture book that highlights the beauty of neurodiversity, friendship, and the many ways children experience the world.

Through the lens of friendship, readers are introduced to a young girl whose unique way of thinking and learning becomes a source of strength and wonder. With the support of a close friend who eagerly shares what makes her so remarkable, the story invites children to notice the talents, perspectives, and abilities that make every person different.

Rather than focusing on limitations, My Superhero Aurie celebrates the idea that every brain works in its own special way. The story encourages children to appreciate differences, practice empathy, and recognize that the qualities that make us stand out are often the same ones that make us extraordinary. Moments at school and on the playground show how kindness and friendship help everyone feel included.

With a message rooted in acceptance and belonging, this book is a wonderful resource for classrooms, families, and young readers who are learning about themselves and the people around them. My Superhero Aurie reminds us that when we celebrate individuality and support one another, we create communities where every child’s strengths can shine. 

​Make reading and listening to My Superhero Aurie even more meaningful with our free Family Reading Guide, featuring engaging activities that help children reflect on friendship, inclusion, and the unique strengths that make everyone special.

Download the free R2S Family Reading Guide for My Superhero Aurie here and explore activities that celebrate kindness, empathy, and the superhero qualities within every child!

Black Children’s Book Week (BCBW) is a vibrant, global celebration that highlights the power and importance of seeing Black children reflected in stories. This year, BCBW takes place Sunday, February 22 through Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Held each year during the final week of February, BCBW brings together parents, educators, librarians, authors, illustrators, publishers, and community champions to celebrate, uplift, and amplify Black children’s books and the creators behind them.

Join Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe for an unforgettable night! ✨📚

What: Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week in Asheville!
When: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: FREE | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: PVA Community Center (1 Granada St., Asheville, NC 28806)

Grab your neighbors, family, and friends and come celebrate Black Children’s Book Week 2026 with an evening full of stories, play, and connection!

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon, author of the heartwarming children’s book My Superhero Aurie - a beautiful story celebrating friendship, neurodiversity, and the unique strengths that make every child shine. 

What to Expect:
📖 Author Storytime: Enjoy two special read-alouds with Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon and learn about the inspiration behind My Superhero Aurie.
🎨 Creative Fun: Play reading carnival games and literacy activities for kids of all ages (and win prizes!)
🥣 Cereal Bar Treats: Enjoy breakfast for dinner with Asheville's favorite cereal bar experience catered by our friends at Chill Cereal Bar.
🎁 Take-Home Goodies: The first 50 families to arrive will receive a free  signed copy of My Superhero Aurie with additional family reading resources.
🤝Community Vibes: Relax, connect, and celebrate together in a welcoming space for families with a live DJ, face painting, and more!

Bring your family and your love for reading as we cozy up for an evening of celebrating the incredible contributions of Black children's books, authors, and illustrators. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Meet the Author 💫

Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and bestselling children’s book author. She is the author of My Superhero Aurie, a story that celebrates autism through themes of acceptance, empathy, and self-worth. Dr. Solomon has extensive clinical experience treating children with language delays and disorders, articulation challenges, voice and fluency disorders, autism, and intellectual disabilities. She earned her Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University and is the owner of The Speech Exchange and Language Therapy, Inc., where she works to empower children and families through communication and advocacy. Through her book and professional work, Dr. Solomon combines storytelling and expertise to promote inclusion, confidence, and understanding in every child.

​We are so excited to welcome Dr. Solomon as part of our Black Children’s Book Week celebration and can’t wait for our community to experience her story together! 

Read 2 Succeed is proud to recommend "Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better," a joyful and illuminating picture book by Glenda Armand with illustrations by Kim Freeman.

This beautifully told picture book biography introduces young readers and families to Augustus Jackson, a brilliant Black inventor, chef, and entrepreneur whose creativity helped shape the ice cream we know and love today. Long before ice cream was widely accessible, Jackson was experimenting, improving recipes, and revolutionizing how the dessert was made—making it smoother, richer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Rather than focusing on struggle alone, Ice Cream Man celebrates Black ingenuity, imagination, and innovation. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, children are invited to see how curiosity, problem-solving, and a love of craft can lead to lasting contributions. Jackson’s story reminds us that Black history is filled with inventors and visionaries whose ideas have shaped everyday joys—including something as simple (and delightful!) as ice cream.

Make reading and listening to Ice Cream Man even more meaningful with our free R2S Family Reading Guide, featuring a fun, interactive alphabet ice cream cone activity kids can enjoy. 
Download a free R2S Family Reading Guide for "Ice Cream Man" here and Download Ice Cream Cone Letters activity here!

Join the Asheville Community for Sweet Story Time 🍦📚
We’re excited to bring this story off the page and into the community!

Sweet Story Time with Read 2 Succeed & Ms. Ann of BooksAlive!
📅 Sunday, February 15, 2026
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 The Hop Ice Cream
640 Merrimon Ave. #103

Families are invited to gather for a special read-aloud and literacy celebration centered on Ice Cream Man. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy our favorite ice cream cafe while learning about a Black innovator whose creativity still ripples through our lives today. All attending families will be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of the featured book!

We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member Cc to the R2S family. Learn a little bit more about her in our quick Q&A below:

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Read 2 Succeed?
Hey y’all! My name is Cc and I’m the Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Co-Executive Directors at R2S. In this role, I help support the day-to-day operations of the organization while working closely with leadership to keep things running smoothly. I’m someone who’s always been deeply curious about the stories people carry and investing in community care, so I’m beyond grateful to be part of a team that’s deeply committed to youth literacy and educational equity. 

2. How did reading or literacy shape your childhood or early life?
Reading has always been a doorway for me to expand both my imagination and my understanding of others. Since I was a child, books have given me access to different perspectives and cultures beyond my immediate world. Reading a variety of books while growing up helped me develop a deeper sense of empathy and curiosity, while also offering me comfort and an escape when I needed it most. Even now, reading continues to be a way I reconnect with myself and inspires me to keep growing.

3. What was your favorite book as a child, and do you have a favorite now?
As a child, my favorite book was a mystery story called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I was drawn to its unique voice and writing style, and it helped me understand the world through someone else’s lens, while also deeply relating to the narrator. Today, my favorite book is Of Water and the Spirit. I was introduced to this book by a beloved yoga teacher and the story speaks to me on a more spiritual level. Each time I pick this book up, it feels less like reading and more like I’m being guided through a journey of Malidoma’s ancestral remembering. The author’s intuition and words serve as a light on my path as I continue exploring my own ancestral roots and sense of purpose in this lifetime. 

4. What inspired you to join Read 2 Succeed and work in youth literacy?
My inspiration comes from both my family and my lived experience. I come from a family of educators, many of whom worked in adolescent special education, and they instilled in me the importance of education from a young age. As a first-generation Latine student, I’ve also seen firsthand how access, or lack of access, to educational resources can shape a child’s future. Being part of R2S allows me to support work that directly addresses these gaps while uplifting children in meaningful ways, and being able to support this work while learning from such thoughtful, inspiring folks is a blessing. 

5. What are you most excited to contribute to our community and team?
I’m most excited to bring my childlike curiosity and background in mutual aid into this work. I’ve always loved learning alongside others, and being part of a team that’s actively exploring new ways to support children feels deeply meaningful to me. I’m especially excited to continue growing as an advocate for children’s literacy by supporting them not just in learning to read, but in building confidence and joy through education.

6. How do you spend your time outside of work-hobbies, passions, or small joys?
In my free time, I love exploring my creativity and connection to the natural world. I enjoy volunteering with Aflorar, a local herbalism mutual aid collective, foraging and gardening, creating nature inspired art prints and jewelry, learning to sew, reading about holistic and spiritual practices, and most of all, dancing! I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, working with my hands, or immersed in music, whether that’s at a local show or a festival with friends. I’m also a certified yoga teacher with over 300 hours of training. My training was unique and strongly focused on social justice, decolonization, inclusivity, meditation, sound healing and breathwork, which deeply inform how I move through the world both on and off the mat. 

7. What do you love most about our local community (Asheville or surrounding area)
I was drawn to WNC in college and instantly felt more at home here than I ever have elsewhere. One of my favorite things about Asheville is the close connection to nature and the way most people live in reciprocity with the land. I love hiking with my partner and our dog, discovering new places to eat, and embracing the strong sense of creativity and care that exists here.

8. If you could recommend one book to our staff, students, or community, what would it be and why?
I would honestly recommend Of Water and the Spirit by Malidoma Patrice Somé; although it is a book rooted in spirituality, it does a beautiful job at exploring themes of colonization, magic, belonging, and African culture that I believe every Westerner could learn from. It’s also just one of those stories that captivates you and pulls you into a new world, so both non-fiction and fiction lovers would enjoy it.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re celebrating a year of community, connection, and meaningful literacy work on the Read 2 Succeed blog. From family reading guides to community partnerships and advocacy resources, these posts reflect the heart of our mission: bringing books, joy, and equity to every reader in Asheville and Buncombe County.

Check out our top ten blog posts from the past year:

1. Ten Stories of Change, Courage, and Belonging for Children
This post highlighted books that honor immigrant experiences and build empathy and understanding. It quickly became a favorite among families and educators looking for thoughtful stories that center courage, belonging, and community.

2. Celebrate National Family Literacy Month with Read 2 Succeed
Published in November, this post shared practical tips, free resources, and creative ideas to help families make reading a joyful part of everyday life. It offered simple ways to strengthen family literacy routines at home.

3. 7 Free Summer Reading Programs Kids (and Parents) Will Love 
We rounded up seven exciting summer reading programs (some national, some right here in Asheville) that are easy to join and totally free. Whether your child is into silly stories, graphic novels, or picture books, there’s something on this list to keep them turning pages all summer long.

4. 10 Juneteenth Children’s Books
Released in June, this post curated a thoughtful list of children’s books that help families explore the history and significance of Juneteenth through engaging and age-appropriate storytelling.

5. Ten Children’s Books Supporting the Transition to Kindergarten
Designed to support families with young learners, this post shared book recommendations that help children feel confident, excited, and prepared for the transition into kindergarten.

6. Read 2 Succeed Recommends: Black Girl, Black Girl by Jorge Redmond and Ali Kamanda
This recommendation spotlighted a powerful book by an Asheville native and included a free family reading guide and extension activities to deepen engagement and conversation.

7. Black Children’s Book Week 2025 in Asheville
This post celebrated Black children’s literature and creators by highlighting local events, community read-alouds, and opportunities to uplift Black voices in storytelling.

8. Meet Traqoya G: Read 2 Succeed's New Tutor & Volunteer Coordinator
We shared a quick and fun interview with our new Tutor & Volunteer Coordinator, Traqoya! 

9. Five Ways to Support Read 2 Succeed in 2025
Published early in the year, this post outlined meaningful ways supporters could get involved, from volunteering as a reading tutor to becoming a sustaining donor and learning more about the local literacy landscape.

10. Community Feedback Opportunities: Advocate for Education
This timely call to action encouraged community members to engage in local education planning and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of literacy voices in shaping policies and funding decisions.

Looking Ahead to 2026
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting the Read 2 Succeed blog throughout the year. Each post helped build community, spark curiosity, and strengthen our shared commitment to literacy justice. We look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead, one story at a time.

Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation
​Written by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Leslie Staub
​
Saya’s mother has been taken to an immigration detention center, leaving Saya longing for her comforting presence. Through recorded stories and heartfelt messages, Saya finds strength and connection even in separation. 
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Dreamers
Written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales
​
This beautifully illustrated story follows a mother and son who come to the United States and discover the wonders of the public library. Books become their language, their bridge, and their way of finding belonging in a new place. 
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

If You See a Bluebird
​Written by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
​
When a young girl travels to visit her grandparents far away, she experiences the joy of reconnecting with family and the ache of missing home. Through gentle moments and meaningful cultural details, she learns what it means to love two places at once. 
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Maribel’s Year
​Written by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
​
Maribel has just moved from the Philippines, and each month brings new challenges and discoveries as she adjusts to life in the United States. With patience and bravery, she grows more confident in her surroundings and begins to find her place. 
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story
​Written by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan
​
Kanzi feels embarrassed about her Arabic name on her first day at a new school. But when her teacher introduces a quilt project that celebrates the languages in the classroom, Kanzi’s identity becomes a source of pride and connection. 
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story
​Written by Areli Morales, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
​
In this true story, Areli shares her experience of moving from Mexico to the United States as a young child. She navigates new language, new expectations, and new surroundings while holding onto her dreams. Her journey honors the bravery of many children who adapt, grow, and build a place for themselves in a new country.
Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Anita and the Dragons
​Written by Hannah Carmona, illustrated by Anna Cunha
​
Anita imagines the airplane taking her from the Dominican Republic to her new home as a mighty dragon she must bravely face. As she says goodbye to the familiar, she gathers courage for the unknown ahead. 
​Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Fatima’s Great Outdoors
Written by Ambreen Tariq, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Fatima and her family go on their first camping trip in the United States, discovering joy, peace, and adventure in the woods. Away from the pressures of school and fitting in, Fatima is able to celebrate her family’s traditions in the comfort of nature. 
​Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Waiting to Welcome
​Written by Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah,
​illustrated by Carmen Mok
​
A neighborhood prepares to welcome a newcomer family, and the children lead with kindness and excitement. Through thoughtful gestures and open hearts, they show how communities can make newcomers feel seen and supported. 
​Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

Like a Dandelion
​Written and illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
​
A child, compared to a dandelion seed, travels to a new place and begins the journey of growing roots and blooming. Through poetic language and bright illustrations, this story captures the resilience and beauty of starting fresh. 
​Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

✨ Join Us for the 4th Annual Community Holiday Extravaganza! ✨

The holiday season is here, and Read 2 Succeed is delighted to invite you to our 4th Annual Community Holiday Extravaganza! This joyful celebration brings families and friends together for an afternoon of literacy, creativity, music, and community spirit.

📅 Event Details: 
What: 4th Annual Community Holiday Extravaganza
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Arthur R. Edington Center (133 Livingston Street, Asheville, NC)
Admission: FREE (RSVP on Eventbrite)

📚 Featured Guests & Highlights
This year, we’re honored to welcome celebrated children’s book author J.P. Miller, known for "Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll.” J.P. Miller is an Asheville native whose goal as a writer is to spark interest and build awareness in children of the known and unsung heroes of the African Diaspora. Come on out and join her for a live reading and book signing, as she brings the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe to life with her signature warmth and passion.
​
Then get ready to be dazzled by the incomparable Kelle Jolly (“Lady Fay Ukulele”), who is a vital member of Tennessee’s arts community. She’ll captivate audiences with a live reading from her enchanting children’s book "Lady Fay Ukulele" a joyful story that celebrates music, creativity, and self-expression. 
​
🎈 Family Fun & Festivities​
Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with activities and holiday cheer, including:

• 🎨 Face Painting
• 🍪 Cookie Decorating
• 🎠 Carnival Games & Prizes
• 🎁 BIPOC Holiday Market featuring local artists and small businesses​​ ​

🍴Delicious Food & Entertainment
Pick up a free meal from Blessed Soul Food, while enjoying music by DJ Big Wave. After her reading, Kelle Jolly will take the stage for a soul-stirring Holiday Jazz Concert, filling the room with the joy, rhythm, and spirit of the season. It’s a performance you won’t forget!

 🛍️ BIPOC Holiday Market Vendors
Make sure to check out our vibrant BIPOC Holiday Market featuring these talented local artisans and makers from WNC! 

Happy Fall, y’all! 

November is National Family Literacy Month, a time to celebrate the power of reading together and the lasting impact literacy has on families, classrooms, and communities.

At Read 2 Succeed (R2S), we believe that literacy opens doors for every learner, each and every day. Reading together strengthens family bonds, builds confidence, and helps children develop skills that last a lifetime. That’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of free resources to make reading fun and accessible for all.

Explore the R2S Website
Our R2S website is your go-to hub for literacy support and inspiration. Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, or educator, you’ll find tools and tips designed to make reading part of everyday life.
Here’s what you can explore online:

• Family Literacy Resources: Access reading guides, a directory of free reading apps, and children’s book recommendations.
• Monthly Newsletters: Stay updated with age-appropriate literacy activities, family literacy ideas, and free online read-alouds.
• Upcoming Events: Learn about free literacy events and family-friendly activities happening in Asheville.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Discover how you can get involved and make a difference through reading.

Connecting Through Community
Don’t forget! Your family can access free books and literacy materials at our local library branches and Free Little Libraries around Asheville and Buncombe County. 

Join the Movement
This National Family Literacy Month, we’re reminded that reading grows stronger when we do it together. Every story shared and every book opened helps build a brighter, more connected community. If you’re inspired to get involved, we’d love to have you join our team of dedicated volunteers - learn more here and help us share the joy of reading with children and families in our community here. 

Thank you for being part of the Read 2 Succeed family, and for helping us keep the love of reading alive for children and families across Asheville and beyond!

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Related Articles: 
10 Ways to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month