Rooted in Reading: Summer 2025 Book Giveaway Plants Seeds of Literacy Across Memphis

This summer, Reading With Mrs. Richardson proudly distributed over 2,000 culturally relevant books to children across Memphis and the Mid-South.

Students pose with new books received at the August 2025 Back to School Drive.

Thanks to the generosity of our funders: Shelby County Commissioners, Memphis City Council Members Chairman J. Ford Canale and Rhonda Logan, the Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis Grant, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and St. Mary’s Episcopal School, we were able to meet families right where they are, placing powerful stories directly into the hands of young readers.

Back-to-school book giveaway at Bethelum Church in Millington, August 2025. We served more than 500 families, and each child received two new books.

More Than Books: We’re Building Identity, Confidence, and Connection

In neighborhoods where access to libraries and diverse books remains limited, our summer initiative offered more than just free reading material; it provided mirrors and windows. Mirrors so that children could see themselves. Windows so that they could imagine possibilities beyond their block.

Every book was carefully chosen to reflect the culture, heritage, and voices of the children we serve. From vibrant picture books to inspiring chapter books, our goal was simple yet deeply rooted: to help children fall in love with reading and with themselves.

As a partner of Juvenile Court, Reading Wth Mrs. Richardson provided new books and bears to families during court.

Why This Work Matters

We know that when children read books that affirm their identity, they’re more likely to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and proud leaders. By infusing homes with books written by Black and Brown authors, we’re reinforcing the idea that every child’s story is worth telling and worth reading.

These moments, such as parents reading to children, kids swapping books at community events, and older siblings helping younger ones turn pages, are what literacy justice looks like.

Students at Raleigh Egypt Middle enjoy new books.

A Community Effort, A Collective Win

This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the investment and trust of our supporters. We are deeply grateful to:

• Shelby County Commissioners for recognizing that literacy is a justice issue.

• The Memphis City Council for backing programming that uplifts our youth.

• The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis for believing in our Black-led, community-rooted mission.

• Dollar General Literacy Foundation for consistently supporting foundational reading efforts.

• St. Mary’s Episcopal School for walking beside us in this work and amplifying our reach.

Together, this cross-sector coalition helped us move the needle—not just on literacy scores, but on identity, belonging, and access.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started. Fall 2025 brings new after-school programming, deeper school partnerships, and fresh opportunities to deliver books and build bridges through literacy. We invite you to keep walking this journey with us.

Want to help us reach 3,000 books next year? Could you support our mission today →?