 The R2S team is thrilled to welcome Betts Conti as our new Elementary Literacy Director managing the R2S Tutoring Program. Check out a quick Q&A below with Betts to learn more about her.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Read 2 Succeed? My name is Betts Conti. I am a North Carolina native and a proud graduate of Asheville City Schools and UNC-Asheville. I completed my M.Ed in Urban Education at UNC-Charlotte in 2025. I spent the last decade teaching at the elementary level across grades and content areas. I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Elementary Literacy Director at Read 2 Succeed. I am energized by the opportunity to work more broadly across our community and to build stronger connections between our scholars, schools, and stakeholders. How did reading or literacy shape your childhood or early life? For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading. I especially love reading alongside others. When I was in elementary school, my dad and I would take turns reading chapter books and talking about our favorite details and characters. We read some of his favorite books from his childhood and we explored new releases together. Ever since then, I have always loved to read books with others and to hear what resonated, or didn’t, with them. Sharing books is a beautiful way to connect with people and is a reminder that there are so many different ways to look at and understand the world. What was your favorite book as a child, and do you have a favorite now? There are too many to count! One that resonates on both fronts right now is Uncle Wizmo’s New Used Car by Rodney Greenblat. It is a delightfully whimsical story about an annual trip to the used car lot. My dad used to read it to me and my brother when we were little. When I started teaching, he sent me a copy for my classroom library. When my daughter was born, she got her own copy and it is now one of our favorite bedtime reads. What inspired you to join Read 2 Succeed and work in youth literacy? As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand the impact that R2S tutors have; not only on children's reading skills, but on their self-perception and confidence as readers. I have seen the workshops that R2S provides to instructional assistants, after-school and summer program staff build their capacity and confidence to provide high-quality literacy instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting. For years, I have watched the data and the outcomes change for the better, and I wanted to be a part of this work. What are you most excited to contribute to our community and team? I believe deeply in community connection. It is all we have and it is everything we need. I am excited to continue building relationships and to work alongside all the people (parents, caregivers, teachers, tutors, neighbors, etc.) who are committed to seeing our children thrive. How do you spend your time outside of work-hobbies, passions, or small joys? Food is my love language. I love baking, cooking, feeding people and snacking. I enjoy gardening and would love to add growing food to the list above. I have been an on-again, off-again yogi for the last 20 years and I do my best to get on the mat whenever I can. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family: my husband, Mark, and our daughter, Carlin. What do you love most about our local community (Asheville or surrounding area)? We live in a beautiful place. I am grateful every day for the mountains, and the plants, and the creatures that surround us. I also love our neighbors. There are some really creative, thoughtful, passionate folks here who show up, exactly as they are, for one another. If you could recommend one book to our staff, students, or community, what would it be and why? I recently heard an interview with Mychal Threets, the host of the new Reading Rainbow reboot. He said he doesn’t recommend books to kids, he asks them what their interests are and then responds with “You know…there’s a book about that.” So that’s my recommendation, think about something, anything, that you really like, and go find a book about it. Happy reading!
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 Fall is almost here, and we’re ready to celebrate with the people who make Read 2 Succeed possible!
Join us for the 6th Annual R2S Fall Mixer on Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30–7:30 PM at River Arts District Brewing Company. Each year, the Fall Mixer brings together R2S volunteers, educators, families, donors, board members, community partners, and friends for an evening centered on connection and celebration. Whether you’ve been part of R2S for years or are just getting to know our work, you’re invited. Come enjoy: ✨ Free dinner and your first drink on us ✨ Music, games, and door prizes ✨ R2S swag and free children’s books ✨ Plenty of time to connect with the R2S community The event is free and open to friends and family, but we do ask guests to RSVP so we know you’re coming. We’ll also bring back our R2S Tree, where guests can make an optional donation to help support R2S youth literacy programs throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Every gift helps power work like one-to-one tutoring, Pre-K read-alouds, family literacy programming, and getting more books into the hands of local children. More than anything, the Fall Mixer is our chance to celebrate the incredible network of people working together to build a stronger ecosystem of literacy and learning in our community. Come raise a glass, grab a book, meet some wonderful people, and kick off fall with R2S! 📅 Wednesday, September 30 ⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 River Arts District Brewing Company 🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP today! 30,000+ Free Books Coming to Asheville for the Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair9/8/2026  Mark your calendar for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of books, learning, and community! The Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair will take place on Sunday, September 27, from noon–4 p.m. at Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy in Asheville. This free community event will put more than 30,000 free books into the hands of children, families, educators, schools, and community programs across Western North Carolina. Guests of all ages can also enjoy free food, music, games, family activities, a Halloween costume swap, hundreds of free LEGO brick boxes, and more! How the Free Book Giveaway Works
Please bring sturdy bags, boxes, or a wagon to help transport your books home.  Supporting Our Region’s Education Recovery The fair falls on the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene—a moment to recognize how far our community has come while acknowledging that recovery is still underway. Over the past two years, students, families, educators, schools, and community partners have worked incredibly hard to restore routines, rebuild learning opportunities, and help young people recover from the disruption and loss caused by the storm. The Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair is an opportunity to honor that work, recommit ourselves to supporting every learner throughout Western North Carolina’s recovery journey, and come together for a joyful day centered on books, connection, and possibility. We Need Volunteers to Make It Happen! An event this big takes a community to bring it to life. Read 2 Succeed needs 60–80 volunteers from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27 to help prepare for the giveaway and support families during the fair. Come for one three-hour shift, one day, or several! Individuals, families, clubs, community groups, professional organizations, and workplace teams are all welcome. Children and teens may volunteer alongside an adult. We need volunteers confirmed as soon as possible. Click the button below to sign up for a volunteer shift today—and invite a friend, family member, or coworker to join you! Groups that would like to volunteer together can email [email protected] to coordinate. We look forward to seeing you there! Please share this article to help spread the word.  The month of July is known as many different things: National Ice Cream Month, National Grilling Month, National Picnic Month, and many more. What all these different things have in common are good food and spending time with those you love, like your family. Food has always been one of the most important parts of cultural heritage. Each culture has its own unique foods that have been passed down through the ages, but every culture has one thing that’s similar. That’s the importance of food in community, whether through cooking together, eating together as a way to hang out, or special food for celebration of special events. Now, what better way to celebrate this month than to read these 10 books about cooking with family?  1. Soul Food Sunday - Written by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by C.G Esperanza A young boy is finally old enough to help cook the dishes at a family gathering. Assisting with tasks ranging from cleaning greens to grating cheese, he finishes the day by making his own contribution to this Sunday get-together. This book celebrates the importance of family and tradition, and the brightly illustrated pages are sure to invite you into the story right with them. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  2. Bee-bim Bop! - Written by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Ho Baek Lee This rhyming board book tells the story of a young girl and her mom making a traditional Korean dish called bibimbap. The two work together to make a wonderful dinner, emphasizing both their culture and the special moments that come from a family spending time together. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  3. Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji - Written by Farhana Zia, illustrated by Ken Min Aneel’s grandparents have come to stay with his family all the way from India, bringing with them adventurous tales of his grandfather, Dada-Ji, when he was a young boy like Aneel. In these wild stories, Dada-Ji gets his power from hot roti, a type of fluffy bread served with a spicy sauce on the side. Aneel wants to see if Dada-Ji still has these powers, and sets out to make some in this lively story of family fun. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  4. Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner - Written by Angela Dalton, illustrated by Jestenia Southerland Ruby’s extended family gathers for a reunion once a year, and each member of the family has a signature dish that they contribute to the meal. Now that she’s old enough, Ruby wants to make her own signature dish and looks for inspiration in the world around her. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  5. Salma the Syrian Chef - Written by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron Salma is a young Syrian girl who has just fled her country to seek refuge in Canada. She notices her mom has been down since leaving their home, and decides to cheer her up by making foul shamy, a traditional Syrian dish. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  6. Cora Cooks Pancit - Written by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore, illustrated by Kristi Valiant This story follows Cora, a young Filipino girl, who is finally old enough to help with the “grown up jobs” in the kitchen instead of the little kid tasks. The book is a celebration of Filipino heritage and foods, and shows the bond between mother and daughter even as you grow older. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  7. Full, Full, Full of Love - Written by Trish Cooke, Illustrated by Paul Howard Sunday dinner at Grannie’s house is an experience full of love and tasty food for little Jay Jay. The story follows the special bond Jay Jay has with his Grannie and invites us into a home full, full of hugs, kisses, and a family that has so much care and affection for each other. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  8. Abuelita and I Make Flan - Written and illustrated by Adriana Hernádez Bergstrom Little Anita loves making flan with her grandma, but accidentally breaks the special flan dish that her abuela brought all the way from Cuba. Anita doesn’t tell her and tries to be the best helper to make up for it, but has to come up with a solution when they need a dish to serve the flan. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  9. Plátanos Are Love - Written by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, illustrated by Mariyah Rahman This bilingual book follows Esme and her Abuela as Esme learns that not only are plantain dishes a delicious food, they are a representation of their ancestors, culture and love. They make these meals together, and find connection with their history and with each other. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here  10. Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao - Written by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua
Amy and her family love to make bao together and it’s one of their favorite family activities. However, Amy just can’t seem to make her bao right. This book follows her on her quest for the perfect bao that both tastes and looks beautiful. Listen to a live read-aloud – click here We hope that you’re able to spend time cooking with someone you love this month, and happy summer! We have some incredible news to share: our Co-Executive Director, Ashley Allen, has been named a 2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Hero by Major League Soccer and Black Players for Change!
This is a big deal! Four leaders were selected across the entire Carolinas and Ashley is the only honoree from anywhere in western North Carolina. At a moment when soccer's biggest national spotlight is landing in Charlotte for MLS All-Star Week, our community's representative on that stage is a Black woman from Asheville leading a literacy nonprofit rooted in equity and love for kids. This recognition comes with a $15,000 grant (matched dollar-for-dollar by the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation) to support our work. Ashley will be celebrated at the Hometown Heroes Showcase on July 27 in Charlotte. We are so proud! Click the button below to learn more about Ashley and the other honorees.  One of the best things about summer in Asheville is how many local organizations, libraries, and businesses come together to support young readers. From free books and library challenges to pizza, ice cream, and other fun rewards, there are plenty of opportunities for children to stay engaged with reading while school is out. To help families make the most of the season, we've gathered seven free summer reading programs that encourage kids to pick up a book, try something new, and celebrate their progress along the way! 1. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal 🎁 Prize: A free book of your choice 📅 When: July–August 2026 ✅ How it works: Download the Summer Reading Journal (available in English and Spanish), have your child read 8 books, and write a short response for each one. Bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store and choose a free book from the summer reading list. 2. Buncombe County Libraries Summer Reading Challenge 🎁 Prize: A free book, bookmark, and kiddie scoop from The Hop 📍 Where: Any Buncombe County Public Library location 📚 For Ages: 0–18 ✅ How it works: Pick up an activity sheet at your nearest library. Complete 10 fun reading-related activities and return the sheet to receive a free book, bookmark, and a scoop of ice cream from The Hop. More details here. 3. Chuck E. Cheese Page Turning Pro Award 🎁 Prize: 10 Free Play Points 📅 When: Available through December 31, 2026 ✅ How it works: Choose a reading milestone that works for your child-finishing a book, reading every day for a week, improving fluency, or another reading goal. Download and print the Page Turning Pro Award certificate, celebrate their accomplishment, then bring the completed certificate to Chuck E. Cheese to redeem 10 Free Play Points. 4. Pizza Hut "BOOK IT!" Digital Program 🎁 Prize: Monthly reward certificate for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza 📚 For Ages: PreK–6th Grade ✅ How it works: Parents and caregivers can sign up online and track reading through the BOOK IT! digital dashboard. Children who meet their reading goals can earn a pizza reward each month from June through August. 5. Little Free Libraries Around Asheville 🎁 Prize: Free books anytime 📍 Where: Neighborhoods throughout Asheville ✅ How it works: Visit a Little Free Library near you, take a book, leave a book, or simply browse. It's a fun, free way to discover new stories and grow your home library all year long. Find a little free library near you. 6. Devil's Foot Summer Reading Program 🎁 Prize: A free 4-pack of Devil's Foot craft soda and a coupon for 50% off a kids Make-Your-Own Pie at Pizza Mind 📍 Where: The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage and Pizza Mind ✅ How it works: Download and complete the reading log by reading 8 books. Bring the finished log to The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage in Asheville to claim your rewards and celebrate a summer of reading. 7. Nothing Bundt Cakes "Books & Bundts" 🎁 Prize: A free mini Bundt cake 📅 When: June 1–August 31, 2026 ✅ How it works: Children in PreK through elementary school can track 400 minutes of reading throughout the summer. To receive a reading tracker, email one of the participating Asheville bakeries below. Once completed, turn in the tracker and enjoy a sweet reward. West Asheville: [email protected] South Asheville: [email protected] Free Printable Reading TrackerDownload and print this free reading tracker to encourage your child to read over the summer and work towards earning one of the rewards listed above!   Spring break offers a chance to slow down and spend time together while discovering new ways to learn through everyday moments. Literacy does not have to feel like a task or something separate from daily life. It can grow through laughter, creativity, and shared experiences that feel meaningful and fun. At Read 2 Succeed, we believe that when children see reading and storytelling as part of their world, it helps build confidence and curiosity in a natural way. This season, we invite families to bring literacy into their routines in simple and playful ways. Whether you are at home, spending time outside, or traveling, these activities are designed to inspire imagination and connection while making reading and writing a joyful part of your days! 📖 Story Adventures
🌳 Outdoor Literacy
🏠 Everyday Reading
🎨 Creative Literacy
🎧 Listening Literacy
📚 Community Literacy
To make spring break reading even more fun, we’ve created a free printable Reading Bingo you can use at home. At the bottom of the activity, there’s space to set a special goal or celebration together once your child finishes, giving you a chance to recognize their effort and make reading feel even more rewarding! Free Printable Activity - Download Here!  Related articles:
Women’s History Month: 10 Children's Books with BIPOC Characters Celebrating Courage, Learning and Leadership 10 Spring-Inspired Children's Books By Black Authors 13 Black Children’s Books About Gardening 10 Books About Moving to a New Place Featuring Black Protagonists 10 STEM-inspire Children's books With Black Protagonists  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.  1. Sulwe written by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison Sulwe wishes for her skin to be lighter, believing it would make her more beautiful - until a magical journey helps her see her own radiant worth. Through this powerful story of self-discovery, young readers are reminded that confidence begins within and that every shade shines brightly. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  2. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López When children gather to plant a garden, they begin asking one another questions about their differences. Inspired by her own childhood, Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers that curiosity builds understanding and that asking questions is an important part of learning and growing. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  3. I Am Enough written by Grace Byers With lyrical affirmations and vibrant illustrations, this uplifting book reminds children that they are worthy exactly as they are. It encourages self-love, kindness, and resilience, empowering young readers to walk confidently in their own unique gifts. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  4. Ho'onani: Hula Warrior written by Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song Ho'onani Kamai dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. With courage and determination, she stays true to herself and honors her culture, showing how bravery and support can help young people embrace who they are. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  5. What I Must Tell the World: How Lorraine Hansberry Found Her Voice written by Jay Leslie Lorraine Hansberry loved words from a young age and used them to speak boldly about justice and equality. This inspiring biography follows her journey to becoming a groundbreaking playwright, showing children how education and courage can help them find and use their voice. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  6. Rainbow Weaver written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri Ixchel longs to learn the traditional weaving of her community, but when resources are scarce, she finds an inventive new way to create. Through problem-solving and perseverance, she shows readers that creativity and determination can preserve culture and inspire change. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  7. Malala’s Magic Pencil written by Malala Yousafzai and illustrated by Kerascoët and Sarah J. Coleman As a child, Malala dreamed of having a magic pencil to fix the world’s problems. She soon discovered that education was the true magic, giving her the power to stand up for girls’ right to learn. Her story inspires young readers to see school as a pathway to courage and change. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  8. Girls on the Rise written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loveis Wise Through powerful poetry, author Amanda Gorman calls girls everywhere to lift their voices and step into their strength. This vibrant celebration of leadership and unity encourages readers to support one another and rise together. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  9. Lucia the Luchadora written by Cynthia Leonor Garza Lucia wants to be a superhero, but she’s told that girls can’t be luchadores. With imagination, determination, and a little sparkle, she challenges expectations and discovers that bravery comes from believing in yourself. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.  10. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and The Space Race written by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Four brilliant Black women use their math and determination to help send astronauts into space during the Space Race. Their story highlights the power of education, teamwork, and perseverance as they break barriers and make history. Listen to a live read-aloud - click here. Related Posts: 10 Stories of Change, Courage, and Belonging for Children 6 Children's Books Celebrating Creativity and Imagination R2S Recommends "Black Boy, Black Boy" 
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! Special thanks to our event sponsors Self-Help Credit Union and Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park!
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About R2S
Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S) is a local, independent nonprofit on a mission to help close the Archives
October 2026
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Our Mission
Read to Succeed is on a mission to help close the race-based opportunity gap through community-powered literacy programming that engages children, families, and community partners. |
Get in Touch!
Phone: (828) 747-2277 Email: [email protected] Physical address (Cannot receive mail here): 16A Stewart St. Asheville, NC 28806 (*Note: Our office is located in the Pisgah View Apartments community) Mailing address: PO Box 18652 Asheville, NC 28814 |
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