We hope this message finds you safe and surrounded by support. In light of the recent hurricane, we wanted to share some updates regarding Read 2 Succeed's operations and how we can continue to support each other during this challenging time.

Read 2 Succeed Staff and Operations
We are relieved to report that all staff and board members of Read 2 Succeed have been accounted for and are safe. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of care from our community and will continue reaching out to tutors, volunteers, and supporters as communication is restored.

Cancellations and Program Adjustments
In response to the ongoing challenges, all Read 2 Succeed tutoring and PreK read-aloud sessions are canceled until further notice. Both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools have announced an indefinite closure, and many of the community centers and schools we partner with are currently without water. We will continue to keep you informed as more details become available.

Additionally, all upcoming R2S volunteer events and planned R2S support is cancelled until further notice - this includes the Thomas Wolfe 8K, Oct. 8th Bingo Books & Booo's at 12 Bones Brewing (South Asheville), and the Christine W. Avery Learning Center Falling for Families Festival (moved to Spring 2025).

Gratitude for Recent Support and Local Businesses
The day before Helene hit, we held our 4th Annual R2S Fall Mixer at River Arts District Brewing (RAD Brew Co). Despite the weather, many of you came together to enjoy a delicious meal from Blessed Soul Food, support our raffle, and create a joyful space for connection. We are thankful for those who attended, and we will carry the warmth of that experience with us as we move through the months of recovery ahead.

While RAD Brew Co. fared better than many businesses near the river, we are deeply saddened to learn that several local businesses featured in our raffle were devastatingly impacted by the storm, including Second Gear and 12 Bones BBQ in the River Arts District and JW Bell, Scout Boutique, Corner Kitchen, and Lilly Pulitzer in Biltmore Village. Other contributing businesses in Weaverville and Old Fort, including Reems Creek Nursery and Painters Greenhouse, are working to recover and support loved ones and their communities.

We extend a huge thank you to those who purchased raffle tickets to help advance the R2S mission, and we also want to take a moment to honor the work and resources these businesses specifically have put into their community.

Supporting Our Community
Like many of us, the students and families R2S serves have been incredibly impacted by this disaster, facing daily challenges to surviving without water, power, reliable cell service and internet, and limited access to fuel and food. If you have the physical and emotional capacity to pitch in, we encourage you to check out the open source WNC Helene - How to Help Guide or visit HandsOn Asheville for volunteer opportunities, or plug into your neighborhoods and the organizations you already follow and support.

If you or your family are in need of supplies or assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. As a community-powered nonprofit, Read 2 Succeed is committed to connecting people and partners with resources and supporting one another through this recovery process.

With love and gratitude,
Jess & Ashley

Jessica McLean & Ashley Allen
Co-Executive Directors
Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe

There are tons of FUN ways to celebrate reading, enjoy a beautiful fall, and support R2S this October! From bingo to trucks to fall festivals and more - check out all the ways to get involved below.

Looking for your next great meal in Asheville? Grab brunch, lunch, or dinner at this delicious West Asheville eatery during October, and round up at the register to support R2S community-powered literacy programs.

Click here to visit their site and check out their menu!

What: Bingo, Books, and Boooo's @ 12 Bones Brewing
Date: Tuesdays, Oct 8 & 29th, 2024
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Where: 12 Bones Brewing @  2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden 28704

Play bingo, drink beer, win prizes AND support Read 2 Succeed literacy programs! Join for the bingo fun Tuesdays in October (10/8 and 10/29), and make sure to dress up on the 29th in your best costume for the Halloween Costumer Contest!

Proceeds from each Bingo Night in October at 12 Bones Brewing will go directly toward Read 2 Succeed community-powered literacy programs.

Learn more and plan your visit to the brewery at 12bones.com.

What: CWA Falling With Families Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, Oct 12, 2024
Time: 11 AM - 3 PM
Where: Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Join R2S at the Christine W. Avery Learning Center (CWA) Falling with Families Fall Festival! Enjoy delicious food, family activities, engaging literacy games, new children’s books, and more. And be sure to attend our read-aloud sessions from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM with R2S Storytime Specialist Ms. Ann.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate literacy and community—bring the whole family for a day of learning and fun!

If you'd like to come support CWA students and families as an R2S volunteer, please reach out to [email protected] for more info.

What: Thomas Wolfe 8K
Date: Sunday, Oct 20, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM Race Start
Where: Downtown/Montford Area

Volunteers and runners needed!

The 47th Annual Thomas Wolfe 8K is just around the corner, and you can help earn a donation for R2S by volunteering as a course marshal – or you can sign up to run and donate to R2S as part of your registration.

Click here below to learn more about the race and how to get involved. Thanks to Kick It Events for their ongoing partnership with R2S!

What: Junior League of Asheville Touch-A-Truck Family Festival
Date: Sat, Oct 26, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Where: Tanger Outlets Asheville, 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville 28806

Come join R2S for an unforgettable day of family fun at the Junior League of Asheville (JLA) Touch-A-Truck Family Festival!

Explore and interact with an exciting lineup of vehicles, including public service, emergency, utility, and construction trucks. Plus, play Touch-a-Truck Reading Bingo & pick up children’s books and reading resources from R2S. Come dressed in your favorite family-friendly Halloween costumes!

If you'd like to come support this event as an R2S volunteer, please reach out to [email protected] for more info.

Calling our R2S family! Whether you're a volunteer, community partner, donor, board member, educator, family, you name it – we would love to see you at the 4th Annual R2S Fall Mixer on September 25th!

Click the button below to RSVP and reserve your free spot (friends and family welcome)! Food and drinks will be provided as well as music, swag, door prizes, children's books, and games. We will also have a special opportunity to contribute to R2S literacy programs and win one of a handful of spectacular raffle baskets!

We look forward to kicking off a beautiful fall with you and bringing our R2S community together for a fun social event. See you there!

WHAT: 4th Annual R2S Fall Mixer
DATE: Wed., September 25, 2023
WHEN: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
WHERE: River Arts District Brewing Co. (13 Mystery St. 28801)
 
Click the button below to RSVP.

We are thrilled to officially introduce our R2S community to DeAngelo Tucker. Since November 2023, DeAngelo contracted with R2S providing in-office program support and direct service to students through tutoring and read-alouds. In July 2024, he officially came on staff as our part-time Office Manager!

Read below for a quick Q&A with DeAngelo to get to know him and his role at R2S a bit more:

What role has reading played in your life?
Reading is an essential part of life. As a child in elementary school, I had reading groups that I attended for extra help because I had a reading comprehension problem. Over the years, it helped a lot to understand what I’m reading and helped me as far as writing as well (i.e. poems, letters, journaling).

What was your favorite book as a child? What is your favorite book now (if it changed!)
As a child, I didn’t really have a favorite book because of my challenges with reading comprehension but as I got older, I enjoyed reading autobiographies; the autobiography of Fredrick Douglass was my go-to.

What do you most enjoy about your work with R2S?
I enjoy refreshing my memory on certain things and learning new skills at the office. I also enjoy learning from the kids and being around the kids because they see someone who looks like them that cares about the right now and the future, and watching these kids grow physically and mentally  

Where does your passion come from?
My passion comes from having seven kids of my own and being one myself who had a rough childhood at times. My passion also comes from the community, and still being in touch with the community, just not in a negative way. I want to see a change for the better for the younger generation.

Give us a glimpse at your life off the clock.
My life is centered around being a full-time husband and father each day. I pride myself on being these things to show my three daughters and four sons how a man is supposed to carry himself as a father and a husband in society. I hope that I set the right example in how I raise my kids to be successful in life

What is one of your favorite things to do in Asheville/favorite aspect of Asheville?
I don’t have a specific thing that I like to do in Asheville. I enjoy spending time with my best friend (my wife) and running around with my kids and their activities. I enjoy the scenery and sitting outside watching and listening to nature

Are you hankering for a delicious ice cold brew and an easy way to support youth literacy in Asheville and Buncombe County?

Visit River Arts District Brewing Company (RAD Brewing Co.) at 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801 during the month of September and a portion of proceeds will go directly toward high-impact early childhood and youth literacy programs at Read 2 Succeed.

And mark your calendars for the 4th Annual R2S Fall Mixer on Wednesday, Sept. 25th (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) at RAD Brewing Co.  This annual event is free and open to the R2S community of families, partners, volunteers, and literacy advocates–dinner, music, door prizes, and community-building, you can't beat it!

Ready for sunshine, community, and celebration? Check out five upcoming August events where you can find all of those things PLUS Read 2 Succeed sharing free books, literacy games, reading resources, and more!

LatchAVL Celebration of World Breastfeeding Week
WHEN: Saturday, August 3, 2024
WHERE: Rabbit, Rabbit! 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville NC
TIME: 9 AM - 1 PM

Join R2S and LatchAVL to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week! We're raising awareness about breastfeeding and chestfeeding equity, promoting resources for expecting parents and those returning to work, and supporting Asheville's status as a 'breastfeeding family-friendly community.

>> Learn more at https://buncombepfc.org/latchavl/

Johnston Elementary School's Summer 24' Celebration Event
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
WHERE: At both Deaverview & Canterbury Heights Apartment communities.
TIME: 2 PM - 3:30 PM

Chill out with R2S at Johnston Elementary's Summer 24' Celebration! Enjoy cool reads, Kona ice, and a fun, refreshing afternoon of community and books at Deaverview and Canterbury Heights Apartments.

Appalachian Mountain Health 2nd Annual Health Fair
WHEN: Saturday, August 10, 2024
WHERE: 77 McDowell St., Asheville, NC 28801
TIME: 10 AM - 3 PM

Prioritize your health at Appalachian Mountain Health's 2nd Annual Health Fair! Enjoy free back-to-school and sports physicals, screenings, dental health education, and more. Join Read 2 Succeed and other community partners for free educational resources and information about our services.

>> Learn more and RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-appalachian-mountain-health-fair-tickets-927919992677

Back to School Kids Day
WHEN: Saturday, August 10, 2024
WHERE: Tanger Outlets - 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
TIME: 12 PM - 4 PM

Join Read 2 Succeed at Tanger Asheville's Back-to-School Kids Day! Enjoy free culturally responsive books, fun activities, and learn about our mission to close the race-based opportunity gap. Visit our booth for more information and support for your child's reading journey.

>> Learn more at www.tanger.com/asheville/events/5506

Chosen PODS & Claxton Elementary Back to School Bash
WHEN: Friday, August 16, 2024
WHERE: Arthur R. Edington Center - 133 Livingston St. Asheville 28801
TIME: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Join Chosen PODS Summer Camp, Claxton Elementary School, and Read 2 Succeed for their second annual Back to School Bash featuring bounce houses, music, reading carnival games, backpack giveaway, face painting, free dinner, and more!

PVA Community B.L.O.C.K Party
WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2024
WHERE: PVA Community Center - 1 Granada St. Asheville 28806
TIME: 11 AM - 2 PM

Join R2S at the Pisgah View Apartments for the Back to School Community B.L.O.C.K. Party! Enjoy arts and crafts, games, food, and community connections. Plus, there’s a backpack giveaway for children. Come and enjoy a day dedicated to fostering kindness and togetherness.

Interested in volunteering to support R2S at a community event? Email [email protected] to learn more and sign up!

As the Olympic torch lights up the world, let’s turn the spotlight on the incredible stories of Black Olympians who have paved the way with their extraordinary achievements. From the graceful routines of Simone Biles to Muhammad Ali’s legendary fights, these athletes have set the bar high. We’ve compiled a list of 10 children’s books that put their inspiring stories front and center. 

3. Simone Biles; A Little Golden Book Biography by JaNay Brown-Wood
​This Little Golden Book tells the story of Simone Biles, the superstar Olympic athlete who became the most decorated gymnast in history. Simone has won 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, including four golds at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Known for her groundbreaking skills, she is the first woman to land a triple-double in competition. Simone's journey from foster care to the pinnacle of gymnastics showcases her incredible determination and talent.

4. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander​
Cassius Clay started out as just a regular kid before becoming a boxing legend. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson use stories and poems to show how he faced school challenges, dealt with racism, and began boxing after his bike was stolen. Follow his journey from his first Golden Gloves win to becoming the famous Muhammad Ali.

5. Simone Manuel :Swimming Star by Heather E. Schwartz
​Simone Manuel is one of the top female athletes in the country. Explore her early life, the obstacles she has faced, and her significant achievements in swimming. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone became the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming, earning two gold and two silver medals. She has broken several American and world records.

7. She Persisted; Florence Griffith Joyner  by Rita Williams-Garcia
​In this chapter book biography, Rita Williams-Garcia explores the remarkable story of Florence Griffith Joyner, the three-time Olympic gold medalist and fastest woman ever. Known as Flo Jo, she set enduring world records in the 100m and 200m in 1988. Despite facing numerous difficulties, her unwavering determination and exceptional skill propelled her to achieve legendary status in athletics.​

8. A Star Like Jesse Owens by Nikki Shannon Smith
Matthew, aspires to be an Olympic runner like Jesse Owens, even though asthma makes running tough for him. He gets a unique opportunity to travel to the 1936 Olympics in Germany with his journalist father. There, Owens’s historic four gold medals and his triumph over racial prejudice might inspire Matthew to overcome his own obstacles and follow in Owens's footsteps.​

9. Stephen Curry: The Children's Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
by Anthony Curcio
​The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA star Stephen Curry. This illustrated picture book follows Stephen from a young boy who was deemed too short and too weak for high school and college basketball to becoming one of the greatest NBA players of all time. ​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

10. Speed to Glory; The Cullen Jones Story by Zonderkidz
Cullen Jones nearly drowned at age five, but he overcame his fear of water with the help of swimming lessons. His initial struggle turned into a remarkable talent as he became one of the world’s top swimmers. This book shows how faith and hard work led him to win an Olympic gold medal and set a world record.

Summer is a great time to celebrate the joy, genius, and creativity of Black boys with incredible children's books by Black authors.

Check out these exciting Black children's books where your child can journey through concepts like responsibility, realizing dreams, self-confidence, empowerment, affirmation, and having fun! These books are full of excitement, so flip a page or listen aloud with the links below.  

I Am Amazing by Alissa Holder and Zulekha Holder-Young
Embark on Ayaan’s journey of being a self-proclaimed superhero by lending a hand to his friends in need. Only to have his confidence destroyed by two classmates who tease Ayaan and tell him he can’t be a real superhero. Ayaan will soon learn that all superheroes do not wear capes and regain his confidence as a superhero through the good deeds he does for others and himself.​
Click here to listen to a read-aloud​.

A Dream in Me by Nekita Shelton and Sameer Kassar
Follow along with this rhyme-themed bedtime story as a young black boy dreams of the limitless possibilities for his future. Visualizing himself in various professions, he learns that through imagination, hard work, and dedication, he can achieve anything. This book encourages young boys to pursue the best version of themselves, expanding their knowledge and sparking new interests. It boosts their confidence by allowing them to see themselves in the shoes of future possibilities.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

The Bully Proof Vest  by Mr. Cedric L Threatt
In our society, bullying is a serious issue, causing over 160,000 children to stay home from school daily. Cedric L. Threatt addresses this in "The Bully Proof Vest," presenting a lighthearted approach to help children realize their value and boost their confidence. The book emphasizes that everyone has their own strength and armor and that bullying can be defeated through self-worth and confidence.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Gary and the Great Inventors by Akura Marshall
Gary, a native Washingtonian who loves his family, friends, and city, explores the world of inventors and their impactful creations. Join him as he discovers the story of Thomas Jennings, the first Black man to receive a patent for his invention.  "Gary and the Great Inventors" is designed to introduce children to STEM, sparking their creativity and inspiring them to pursue their imaginative ideas.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

Every Little Thing by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley
Start each day with positive energy and the sounds of nature through this heartwarming picture book adaptation of Bob Marley's songs by his daughter Cedella, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This story teaches children that the sun will shine after the rain and that mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Embrace the positive energy, sing along, and remember that everything will be alright.
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

King Khalid is Proud  by Veronica N. Chapman
King Khalid learns the powerful significance of the word "proud" by showing courage and intelligence. When his father enforces strict bedtime rules, Khalid finds a creative loophole that ultimately makes his family proud. This story celebrates a clever and determined kid who uses his resourcefulness to empower himself and earn the pride of others.​
Click here to listen to a live read-aloud.

​Families can use the free printable guide below to dive into discussion questions, extension activities, and illustrations. Click the image to download this free guide.

​Related Articles:
​Fall-Themed Children's Books Featuring Black Characters
10 Back to School Books Featuring Black Characters
5 Ice Cream Inspired Reading Tips & Ideas
11 Children's Books About LOVE Featuring Black Characters
6 Children's Books Celebrating Creativity and Imagination
10 Books About Moving to a New Place Featuring Black Protagonists
10 STEM-inspire Children's books With Black Protagonists

As summer rolls around and school takes a backseat, it's the perfect time to dive into some fun, reading-inspired activities that keep young minds engaged and growing. 

From summer reading scavenger hunts to writing your own books, these five activities promise not only to entertain but also to enrich your child's summer break with valuable learning experiences.

1.) Visit Your Local Library
For Asheville and Buncombe County residents, visit a Buncombe County Libraries branch this summer for a fantastic way to boost your child's literacy skills and have fun! Frequent library trips expose kids to diverse books and exciting reading programs, sparking their interest in learning.

TO DO >> Find your local Buncombe County Libraries branch today - click here.

2.) Read Aloud for 15 Minutes
Reading aloud to children for just 15 minutes a day can significantly boost their literacy skills. This simple yet powerful activity exposes them to a rich vocabulary and diverse ways of using language, helping them pick up new words and phrases.

Books introduce children to various characters and situations, fostering empathy and teaching them how to navigate challenging emotions. By making reading aloud a daily habit, you're setting the stage for lifelong learning and emotional growth.

TO DO >> Set a fun reading timer for your child each day using this free online tool - click here.

3.) Write Your Own Book
Imagine your child becoming the author and illustrator of their own superhero adventure! By crafting a graphic novel or picture book starring their very own superhero, kids not only unleash their creativity but also sharpen their literacy skills in a thrilling way. 

Through the process of storytelling, they develop abilities like creating compelling characters, crafting engaging plots, and expressing ideas through both text and art. As they bring their superhero to life on the page, they're not just writing a story – they're building a foundation for a love of reading, writing, and imaginative expression.

4.) A-Z Scavenger Hunt
An A-Z scavenger hunt offers children an exciting opportunity to enhance their literacy skills! For younger kids, collaboratively seeking items around the house that start with each letter strengthens their letter naming and sound recognition and expands their vocabulary. 

Older children, on the other hand, can sharpen their creativity, problem-solving, and spelling abilities as they independently hunt for items that start with the letters of the alphabet.

TO DO >> Download and this free printable Summer Alphabet Scavenger Hunt from R2S - click here.

5.) Summer Reading Challenge
Turn reading into an exciting challenge! Create a bingo-type board filled with reading challenges like reading a rhyming book, reading two books a week, or reading at the library. Each time kids complete a challenge, they get to mark off a square or add a sticker. 

Once they fill up their board, they get to pick a special reward, like a movie night, outing, or . It's a great way to encourage kids to read more and have fun while doing it!

By writing uppercase and lowercase letters on rocks, kids can better grasp letter forms and relationships. Passing the rocks around and thinking of words that start with each letter engages them in active learning and helps expand their vocabulary.

This enjoyable activity fosters curiosity and lays a strong foundation for literacy development. Try it out with your kids and tag us on Instagram, @r2sasheville, to share your alphabet rock projects!​

4.) Ice Cream Cone Letters - Name Building Activity
Take a scoop of inspiration from summer's favorite sweet treat - ice cream - and encourage your child to practice spelling their name.

TO DO >> Download this free printable Ice Cream Cone Letters activity from R2S - click here.

5.) Letter Sound Recognition 
Summer offers families ample opportunities to make learning fun, even in the simplest of activities! Incorporating letter sound recognition into daily life can be as easy as:

• Driving to Grandma's? Playing "I Spy" during car rides, where kids identify objects they see based on their first sounds. For example, "I spy something that starts with the /s/ sound."
• Have a future chef on your hands? Involve children in meal preparation by asking them to identify ingredients that start with specific letter sounds.
• Going on a plane trip? At the airport, discuss multi-meaning words like "fly" and homophones like "plane" and "plain."

These activities not only make learning playful but also help children develop foundational literacy skills essential for reading and language development.

Related Article(s):
8 Asheville Ways to Celebrate Black History Month & a Love of Reading in February
11 Children's Books About Love Featuring Black Characters
8 Black Children's Books that Highlight the Importance of Family Caregivers
8 Soccer Books for Kids with Diverse Characters
14 Black Children’s Books About Confidence, Determination, and Self-Esteem
R2S Recommends: "Black Boy, Black Boy" Diverse Children's Book