Reading Matters - SMART Reading

Reading is the Gateway to Learning and Opportunity for Oregon’s Kids

At SMART Reading, we hold to one simple truth: Reading matters. It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other injustices.

SMART Reading comes alongside Oregon’s highest need schools and marginalized communities to support kids and build brighter futures through books and reading. Because the simple magic and joy of a shared book can change a child’s life trajectory.

Here, you will find resources, research and statistics on childhood literacy and how to set children on the pathway to realizing their full potential through reading.

Celebrating the #RightToRead

The left side of the image shows bins filled with picture books, and the right side is white with the words "Right to Read Day."

April 24 is Right to Read Day, hosted by the American Library Association to uplift the right to read freely. At SMART we believe in the importance of… Read More ›

Activity Sheet – Book Scavenger Hunt

An image of the top half of the Book Scavenger Hunt activity sheet

Can you complete all the challenges? In this informational book scavenger hunt, check off tasks like reading a book that teaches you something about the weather or creating… Read More ›

Activity Sheet – Summer Reading Saga

An image of the top half of the Summer Reading Saga activity sheet

What will happen in the next panel? This activity sheet straight out of a comic book is filled with creative reading challenges, like reading a book in a… Read More ›

Activity Sheet – Reading Adventure Map

An image of the top half of the Reading Adventure Map activity sheet

Get ready to go on an adventure! This “map” takes you through adventurous reading challenges like reading a book under a tree or performing a scene for your… Read More ›

Meet Book Bank Partner Innovative Services NW

Teacher at Innovative Services NW reading with kids in a classroom.

Meet Innovative Services NW, one of the Children’s Book Bank’s community partners! Innovative Services NW’s early learning and childcare program serves children ages 1 – 5 years, many… Read More ›

Little Free Libraries Open in SW Portland!

Four new Little Free Libraries opened near Robert Gray Middle School and Bridlemile Elementary School in 2022! The Children’s Book Bank partnered with Positive Charge! PDX, the Timbers,… Read More ›

Sue’s SMART Reading Volunteer Story

An over-the-shoulder image of a SMART volunteer and student reading a picture book.

SMART Volunteer Sue has been reading with kids for over a decade! Here’s what she has to say about her experience, including going remote in 2020 and getting… Read More ›

Why is Reading at Home Important?

An infographic showing facts about how reading at home benefits kids. The facts share that having 25 books at home and being read to just 20 minutes a day helps kids develop critical reading skills and succeed in school.

There are lots of reasons why reading at home is beneficial for your child! Research shows that having books at home and reading just 20 minutes a day… Read More ›

Top 25 Books in the SMART Program

Screenshot of the Top 25 Books post showing several covers of picture books with the title underneath.

Here’s a list of the top 25 books this year that kids in the SMART program love to read!