As of right now, there are more than 39,000 Arizona third-graders who are minimally proficient in reading skills, putting many at risk for retention.  Arizona’s mandatory retention policy, Move on When Reading (ARS 15-701), requires that a student not be promoted from third grade to fourth grade if he or she scores far below the third-grade reading level on the AzMerit assessment.  

We believe that by planting these types of seeds early, and introducing students to empowering books that first and foremost pique their interest and makes them want to read more, but that also contains characters that represent them well and guides them toward prosperity… we can seriously impact their life trajectory. Encouraging more students to be readers today, will lead to more leaders tomorrow.