Reading is more than fundamental. It’s the ultimate life skill and lays the foundation for learning, opportunity and long-term success. But that foundation depends on access — and not all children start with the same opportunities.
About 20% of children under age 5 grow up in under-resourced communities where access to early learning is lacking. Without early literacy experiences, children are more likely to start kindergarten already behind. And when children start behind, they often stay behind.
“In Arizona, when we look at third grade reading scores, just 39% of children are on target,” says Marc Acuña, CEO of Make Way for Books. “That leaves about 60% who are not ready to read, and frankly, that is unacceptable. Being a reader makes you a learner. You can’t learn science or history if you haven’t unlocked literacy.”
Why do we focus on third grade tests? Children who struggle to read by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. And those risks aren’t shared equally as children in under-resourced communities end up on the losing end of the achievement gap.
Make Way for Books is part of a broader ecosystem of nonprofits, government partners and community organizations united by a shared goal: fostering early literacy so that all of Arizona’s children can succeed.
The Role of Parents in Early Literacy Development
“Early literacy begins with adults,” Acuña says. “Our programming supports parents with integrating meaningful interactions into their daily routines.”
For example, Make Way for Books’ Birth to Five Literacy Journey program (formerly Story School) helps parents build on what they already do, such as talking, reading and singing, to strengthen language and literacy skills at home.
“Regardless of their own comfort level with literacy, parents already have what it takes to be their child’s first and best teacher,” Acuña says. “We amplify those strengths.”
The Role of Educators in Early Literacy Access
Educators are critical in early literacy, but not all have access to the same training or resources.
Make Way for Books supports educators with coaching, practical strategies and classroom materials through it’s Educator Literacy Collaborative program (formerly The Story Project). The focus is on five key literacy skills, along with joyful, engaging reading experiences.
“We’re not just sharing research,” Acuña says. “We’re teaching specific skills that educators can use the very next day.”
Books That Reflect Young Readers
Book selection matters too. Leaning into research by Rudine Sims Bishop, Make Way for Books focuses on three types of books:
- Mirrors: Stories where children see themselves
- Windows: Stories that introduce new cultures and experiences
- Sliding doors: Stories that let children see their potential
“We want every child to have a mirror, a window and a door,” Acuña says.
Part of that is sharing stories that focus on humans rather than animals and that show diverse languages, cultures and communities.
Make Way for Books also provides books in more than 20 languages through Educator Literacy Collaborative and encourages families to engage with books using the language they use to say, “I love you.”
Literacy as Social Justice
Early literacy isn’t just about reading and succeeding in school. It’s also about equity and equal opportunity.
“We view literacy as an act of social justice,” Acuña says. “Every child deserves access to books and experiences that reflect their lives and potential.”
By supporting parents, empowering educators and providing equitable access to meaningful literacy education and experiences, Make Way for Books is helping change the future for children and their communities across Arizona.
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