Ignite a lifelong love of reading.
We increase access to books for children, families, and communities; empower voices so every child can see themselves reflected in literature; and use literacy as a gateway to leadership and opportunity.
READ Foundation, Inc.Reading Empowers All DreamsEvery child deserves stories that spark curiosity, reflect who they are, and show them who they can become.
READ (Reading Empowers All Dreams) Foundation, Inc. connects literacy with leadership, STEM, and real-world career possibilities.

We increase access to books for children, families, and communities; empower voices so every child can see themselves reflected in literature; and use literacy as a gateway to leadership and opportunity.
We envision a future where every child, irrespective of their background, has the confidence, resources, and motivation to pursue their dreams through literacy. By fostering a love for reading, we inspire the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.
Our goal is to place one copy of My Mom is a Construction Manager™ in every K–12 school library across Indiana by December 31, 2026.
Part of our Indiana Literacy + Workforce Pipeline Initiative, the campaign connects reading with construction management, architecture, engineering, STEM, project management, and the skilled trades.
Read the full initiative (PDF)Campaign investment is based on $20 per book plus shipping. These figures describe our campaign goals, not completed distributions.


Written by Akilah W. Darden and her four children, My Mom is a Construction Manager™ helps young readers imagine themselves as the people who build our world.
Available in English and Spanish, the book brings career awareness into a story children and families can share.
Bring stories into school and public libraries, making books available where children learn and gather.
Support vocabulary, reading comprehension, and guided discussion through story-based learning and an optional educator guide.
Introduce construction and STEM careers early, connecting classroom reading with real-world opportunities.
Blueprint Book Club
Encouraging younger children to discover a love for reading.
Hard Hats & Storytime
Interactive pop-up reading experiences connected to real-world themes.
Dream Builders Literacy Kits
Reading resources for classrooms and homes.
Family R.E.A.D. Nights
Bringing families together through shared literacy experiences.
Future initiative phases include classroom and library reading sessions, virtual or in-person engagement, and in-school STEM activities.
Sponsor a school, a county, multiple counties, or the statewide campaign. Together, we can put possibility within reach.
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