Reading can open doors to imagination, confidence, and lifelong learning, and for many children, the right book at the right moment can change everything.
That’s why organizations dedicated to literacy continue to find new ways to spark a love of reading early in life.
One such effort is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage young readers everywhere to pick up a book and discover the joy that reading can bring.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, has announced the launch of the fifth annual Rally to Read 100, an initiative designed to inspire children to discover the joy of books.
The campaign also marks an exciting milestone for the organization as RIF celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026.
Running from October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, the six-month challenge encourages children across the country to read 100 books over six months, helping them build confidence, develop stronger literacy skills, and create lifelong reading habits.
The challenge is flexible and inclusive, allowing young readers to engage with books in ways that suit their age and ability level.
Children can participate by:
- Reading independently
- Reading with parents or caregivers
- Listening to stories read aloud
- Exploring books in classrooms, libraries, and community programs
Every completed book counts toward the goal and reinforces the positive habit of regular reading.
Why initiatives like Rally to Read 100 matter
Reading is one of the most important skills children develop, forming the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. However, many students experience barriers that make reading more difficult.
Those with learning differences, such as dyslexia or other reading challenges, may struggle with decoding, reading fluency, or comprehension.
Initiatives like Rally to Read 100 play a key role in encouraging children to stay engaged with books while building their skills over time.
Helping children with reading difficulties join the challenge
For those children who find reading difficult, assistive technology can make a meaningful difference in helping them participate in reading programs such as this.
Reading pens, also known as scanning pens, are designed to support students who need additional help accessing printed text.
By scanning a word or line of text, the pen reads it aloud instantly, allowing children to follow along and better understand what they are reading.
These tools can help them:
Decode unfamiliar words
- Improve reading comprehension
- Build confidence while reading independently
- Stay engaged with books rather than feeling frustrated
By reducing barriers to reading, reading pens enable children with dyslexia or other literacy challenges to participate in reading initiatives alongside their peers, helping ensure that the joy of reading is accessible to everyone.
Supporting young readers at home and in the classroom
Families, educators, and communities all play an important role in helping children reach their reading goals.
Here are a few ways to support participation in the Rally to Read 100 challenge:
Create a daily reading habit
Setting aside dedicated time each day encourages consistency and builds strong reading routines.
Celebrate progress
Tracking books and recognizing milestones can help motivate children to keep reading.
Offer a variety of books
Mix picture books, early readers, graphic novels, and chapter books to keep reading exciting and accessible.
Use supportive tools when needed
Assistive technology, including reading pens, can empower children who need extra support to read independently and confidently.
A celebration of literacy
As Reading Is Fundamental celebrates six decades of advancing children’s literacy, the Rally to Read 100 challenge continues to bring families, educators, and communities together around a shared goal: helping children discover the power of reading.
With encouragement, access to books, and the right tools, every child can take part in the journey toward reading 100 books and developing a lifelong love of learning.
To learn more about the initiative or sign up for the challenge, visit www.RallytoRead.org