Reading aloud to young children is the best way to promote reading success. The ability to read is a major building block for success in school and in life. By helping children become excited about books and reading, you will be providing them with a gift that will last a lifetime!

• LOW LITERACY (poor reading skills) is the factor with the highest correlation to POOR HEALTH in our country. (AMA, 2003)
• Low literacy costs the U.S. government up to $73 billion in health care costs EACH YEAR. (AMA, 2003)
• Poor readers are more likely to experience school failure, school drop out, teen pregnancy, drug use, incarceration and ER visits.
• 35% of all children enter kindergarten unprepared to learn (more than 50% if high risk).
• More than 50% of children who are raised in poverty and are unprepared for school will not catch up. (National Academy of Education)
• 33% of 1st graders are placed in remedial reading classes.
• Only 31% of 4th graders are proficient or above readers (NAEP, 2003). Before 4th grade children are learning to read, but after 4th grade they are reading to learn.
• 50% of adults have limited literacy skills.

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