Why reading matters

25 million children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently, which prevents them from achieving success in school, participating in all areas of life, and realizing their dreams. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) has the proven programs and resources to tackle the literacy crisis, but we can't do it without you. Partner with us to connect more children to the joy of reading—and build a foundation for lifelong opportunity.

A kid reading a book and looking engaged
The U.S. literacy crisis

Join RIF to disrupt the literacy crisis

Reading Is Fundamental and our partners work to change the trajectory of the alarming U.S. literacy crisis, which creates barriers between our nation’s children and their opportunities.

25M

children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently.  

61%

of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home. 

1 in 3

children entering kindergarten lack the basic skills they need to learn how to read.

67%

of 4th graders read below grade level, setting them up for difficulty in school and beyond. 


Literacy statistics by U.S. state

See how your state compares to the U.S. average.

COVID-19 erased more than 30 years of progress in children’s reading achievement.

Explore the devastating impact of disrupted learning during the pandemic on reading performance through 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) fourth grade reading scores by state. 

Far-reaching impacts of the literacy crisis

The impacts of the literacy crisis are felt in all areas of our society, from an individual child’s opportunities to our nation’s global competitiveness. Here are just some of the ways the literacy crisis derails lives and devastates communities.

students on two levels of a path

Impact on communities of color

There is a 22+ point gap1 in literacy proficiency between White students and their Black, Hispanic, and American Indian peers. This leads to an estimated two thirds of students of color entering middle school not reading at proficient levels who often enter and joining classrooms not equipped with reading resources. These challenges and literacy gap have existed for over 30 years.  

 

1. 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Who we support

While the literacy crisis is concerning, RIF believes there is a path forward. RIF provides an integrated approach to literacy support—ensuring access to books, reading content, and literacy resources for children, educators, and families. We are actively working with program sites in all 50 states, Washington DC, and U.S. territories, with a focus on birth through 8th grade.

RIF’s reach in U.S. schools

RIF infographic of reach in the United States

RIF brings books and reading content to children and families in person and online, through community activation programs and resources such as Literacy Central, our free book resource website. 

Children supported

RIF infographic on children reached and supported in U.S.

RIF is committed to supporting all children in their reading journey, with a focus on getting books and resources into the hands of youth in our most underserved communities. 

Girls reading books together

Creating lifelong readers in America since 1966

For more than 55 years, RIF has been the leading voice for children’s literacy. Our mission is to inspire the joy of reading in all kids so they develop the foundation for opportunity no matter who they are, where they live, or what differences they may have.

Kids huddled outside together reading books

Our students are fostering a passion for books and storytelling from an early age. The program equips children with the foundation for academic success, critical thinking, and a rich imagination that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.

BFO Program Implementer, Lorain City School District
Ohio

$24 can help get books to 6 children

Your generous gift helps to bring the joy of reading to children, everywhere.

Children and smiling boy at Amazon RIF book event