Our Kids Read Association

Our Kids Read (OKR) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to spark the joy of reading in K–5 students from underserved communities. We believe literacy is the gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and changemaking. Our vision is a world where every child—regardless of race, background, or income—has access to diverse, high-quality books, sees themselves reflected in the stories they read, and benefits from mentors who affirm their potential and identity.

To achieve this vision, OKR runs three flagship programs: Free Book Festivals, which bring culturally affirming books and family-friendly literacy activities to schools and neighborhoods; Hospital and Community Organization Book Donations, ensuring children facing health or economic challenges receive new books that inspire and affirm them; and the Reading Buddies Program, where students meet weekly with trained volunteers over Zoom. Since launching, OKR has donated more than 150,000 books, provided over 5,600 hours of mentorship, and served 50,000+ children. Together with families, schools, and corporate partners like Scholastic, Nike, and Microsoft, we are building a movement to close literacy gaps and empower the next generation of readers, leaders, and changemakers.