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.

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