March 31, 2025 Celebrating National Reading Month with Our Youth March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the power of books and the impact of literacy on young minds. At Friends of the Children – Houston, we know that reading is more than just a fundamental skill. It’s a pathway to confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Our professional mentors create opportunities for youth to engage with books in meaningful ways, making reading fun and accessible. This month, our youth have explored the world of books in different spaces throughout the community. At the Children’s Museum, Lawren and her youth attended Clifford Story Time, immersing themselves in the joy of storytelling. Surrounded by books, the experience brought stories to life in a way that deepened their love of reading. At Jesse Jones Library, Niria took a group of youth for social-emotional learning activities, including a creative button-making session. These types of experiences allow our youth to engage with literacy in ways that go beyond traditional reading, encouraging self-expression and reinforcing the connection between words and personal identity. One of our favorite moments this month came when Steffon’s youth was reading “I Am Rosa Parks” and said, "I know this lady!" It was a small but powerful reminder of how books introduce children to historical figures and important lessons about resilience and courage. Seeing our youth connect with stories in such a personal way reinforces why we prioritize reading and learning opportunities. National Reading Month serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering literacy early and often. Through field trips, hands-on activities, and one-on-one reading moments, our professional mentors ensure that every child in our program has access to the magic of books. Want to support our literacy efforts? Consider donating books to our Clubhouse! Check out our wish list for more ways to help.