Welcome to the Birth to Five Literacy Journey

(Formerly Story School)

You have what it takes to be your child’s first, best teacher.

We’re honored to be a part of your child’s journey to becoming a thriving reader and learner. Let’s get started learning together below!

Apply Now
An adult man sits behind a young child in a yellow shirt and beige cap, looking down as they read a colorful picture book together. Blue seats and a wheelchair are visible in the background.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Why Should I Participate?

Families who participate in Birth to Five Literacy Journey (formerly Story School) strengthen bonds with their child, build their own knowledge and skills, and gain practical tools and strategies to support their child’s literacy development at home. Together, they build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.

An adult sits on the floor with a child on their lap, looking at an open picture book in a classroom or library. A partially visible masked person stands at the left edge.

Books for Your Child

When you enroll in our programs, you’ll receive quality children’s books for your baby, toddler or preschooler. Books are powerful tools for conversations, learning and building reading skills. We’ll use these books during our programs, and your child will keep them to build their home library.

A young child in a pink shirt sits beside an adult in a striped jacket, looking together at a colorful picture book in a classroom.

Learn Together

Each session, we’ll share books, songs and activities that get your child excited about books and learning, and foster essential early reading skills. As you complete the program, you’ll gain knowledge and specific strategies for sharing books and literacy activities effectively, ensuring your child develops the skills they need to be a thriving reader and learner.

A tablet displays a grid of illustrated children's book covers labeled “Read now” and “Lee ahora,” while a person points at one cover; two other people are blurred in the foreground.

Resources

You’ll get connected to great tools like the Make Way for Books App, where you can access free books, engaging activities, and practical tips to reinforce learning at home. Continue learning on the go and share books and activities directly from your computer, phone, or tablet.

HOW IT WORKS

What Happens After I Apply?

Our team accepts applications and maintains a year-round waitlist, working diligently to connect each family with the Birth to Five Literacy Journey location that best meets their needs.

Ready to Apply?

Birth to Five Literacy Journey (formerly Story School) is a free, bilingual program that helps you support your child’s early learning through books, hands-on activities and everyday interactions. Sessions are held at schools, libraries and community centers near you. Sign up today and give your child a strong start.

Apply Now
Several young children gather around a seated adult in a classroom or childcare setting while another adult holds up an open illustrated book. A child sits at a table in the foreground, and shelves and toys are visible in the background.

About Make Way For Books

Founded in Tucson in 1998, Make Way for Books started with six volunteers and a simple but powerful idea: that books and the people who share them can change a child’s life. Our goal is to support parents, caregivers, and educators on their journey to becoming their children’s first, best teachers. Watch our story.

Watch Video

Latest News

An adult woman kneels beside two young children in a classroom. The children hold wooden rhythm sticks, while another seated adult in a yellow shirt holds a pair of sticks. Tables, chairs, a printer, and classroom supplies are visible in the background.
Early Literacy Insights 9 Ways Singing Helps Build Early Literacy Skills
Early Literacy Insights How Bedtime Reading Helps Build Literacy and Connection
Early Literacy Insights 9 Children’s Books Every Young Reader Should Have in Their Library
Impact Stories ‘It’s So Much More than a Literacy Program’