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As part of our federal advocacy work, Reach Out and Read CEO Marty Martinez recently traveled to DC for a round of legislative visits. Marty and staffers across the Hill discussed Reach Out and Read’s three decades of impact on millions of children, highlighted the need to ensure that our model becomes a core component of every well-child visit for all children 5 and under, and talked about ways the federal government can support our mission. This was a great opportunity to introduce our new national Public Policy Agenda and to emphasize how our priorities can help strengthen the system of early childhood development, early literacy, and early relational health. We’re excited to share ways we can demonstrate and increase the transformative power of our network and its child-by-child, state-by-state impact. Learn more about this trip and our policy efforts in Marty’s Moments That Matter blog.
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Reach Out and Read’s updated model now emphasizes talking, reading, and singing with babies right from birth. Over the next five years, we’re helping clinicians integrate Reach Out and Read into the first four well-child visits, beginning with the newborn checkup. This earlier start will amplify Reach Out and Read’s impact: fostering emotional connections, building healthy social-emotional development, and even buffering the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
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Instead of receiving presents for her ninth birthday, Rose Gharabeilou decided to give them! The Reach Out and Read “alum” started a fundraising campaign for Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, who helped build her love of literature by providing books and guidance about reading through five years of pediatric checkups. She raised $323 — enough to support books and well-child visits for 32 children!
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“In a world where disparities define the future of so many young lives, Reach Out and Read serves as a beacon of hope, guiding families towards a horizon where every child’s potential can be reached.” CEO Marty Martinez joined Dr. Lia Gaggino on the Pediatric Meltdown podcast, discussing our mission, expansion, impact, and future goals, as well as the important role clinicians play in cultivating early literacy.
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Looking for new reads to share with your child? Explore these Women’s History Month picks from All About Books!

  • Think Big, Little One, written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, features 18 trailblazing women creators, from writers and artists to inventors and scientists (ages 0-3).

  • Storytelling Math Board Book series by Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin makes it easy for children and their families to explore every day math together (ages 1-4).

  • You Hold Me Up, written by Monique Grey Smith and illustrated by Danielle Daniel, teaches preschoolers about building relationships, fostering empathy, and respecting peers (ages 3 to 5).
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On the latest #RORPodcast, Angela Cunningham, National Director of Books Strategy and Partnerships, discusses Reach Out and Read’s book strategy, ensuring that the 7.1 million books we give each year are aligned with our goals to support children and their families. Don’t miss the conversation about the power of our network and the importance of diverse books.
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Be a hero in a child’s story. Your generous donation directly empowers more children nationwide by giving families the tools they need for a brighter future — early language, literacy, and relationships — through the power of shared reading.
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