Discover 12 nighttime reading adventures for families during school break — curated book picks by Black and Latino authors for early childhood, middle grade, and young adult readers, plus cozy activities and habit-building tips to make reading a nightly ritual your family will love

Read our book club review of The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy, a novel about Black women, friendship, and life transitions in changing cities.

In our latest Family Stories feature, we sat down with Imani Kirkman, a mother of two boys, to talk about what it really means to raise readers. From cozy bedtime rituals to balancing screen time, Imani shares how books have become anchors in her home—teaching her sons to love themselves, embrace diverse stories, and grow their imaginations.

“Representation matters,” Imani says. “If my boys see characters in books who look like them, it makes the story more impactful. It also teaches them to love themselves exactly as they are.”

Her journey is a reminder that reading together isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, connection, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

📖 Read the full interview: Raising Boys, Raising Readers: A Mother’s Journey Through Books →

Summer is meant to stretch the imagination—not the patience of kids already tired from the school year. If reading starts to feel like a checklist instead of an escape, burnout isn’t far behind. A summer reading reset invites flexibility, curiosity, and joy back into the routine—so books feel like discovery, not homework.

In recent years, fewer children are picking up books—and it’s more than just a passing trend. Between digital distractions, limited access to culturally relevant stories, and growing academic pressures, reading has taken a back seat in many households. But there’s hope. By understanding the reasons behind this decline and making intentional shifts at home, parents and caregivers—can help reignite a lifelong love of reading. Here’s how to turn the page.

arch is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and brilliance of women throughout history. One of the best ways to inspire young girls is through books that highlight strong, trailblazing women who have broken barriers and changed the world. From scientists and activists to artists and leaders, these stories spark curiosity, confidence, and the belief that anything is possible.

In this blog post, we’re sharing a curated list of must-read books that uplift and empower young readers. Whether you’re looking for picture books featuring inspiring heroines or chapter books showcasing real-life changemakers, these selections will help girls see themselves as future leaders and dreamers.

Let’s dive into these powerful stories and celebrate the incredible women who continue to shape our world!