Reading Inspiration

Reading has the power to unlock imagination, build lifelong skills, and open doors to opportunity.

When you take the Make Room to Read Challenge, you’re joining a global movement to create a more literate, equitable world—one page at a time.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, dream, and thrive. Yet, 7 out of 10 children in low- and middle-income countries can’t read by age 10—a crisis that limits futures and potential. Economic instability, climate disasters, and inadequate educational resources further widen the gap.

But there’s hope. With Room to Read’s support, schools become beacons of opportunity. Educators are trained, books are accessible, and children develop a lifelong love for reading. These readers grow into empowered individuals, equipped to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

With the Make Room to Read Challenge, YOU can help engage more children around the world in reading, inspiring a generation of lifelong learners. When you Make Room to Read, you will be joining our story to ensure every child can become the author of their own extraordinary future.

If you haven't already, take the pledge to read 20 minutes daily from September 1-15 now!

Creative Ideas to Enrich Your Reading Time

Track your reading with this chart. Share your progress on social media and tag @roomtoread.
Read with children. This is a great way to demonstrate to children that reading is important for everyone!
Read with friends. You may even consider reading the same book during the challenge so you can discuss it after reading for 20 minutes.
Listen to an audiobook while walking, doing chores, or driving.
Start your day with breakfast and a book!
Replace scrolling on your phone with reading a book before bed.
Set a 20-minute timer and stop at exactly 20 minutes. The cliffhanger will keep you coming back for more!
Vary your genre. Novels, poetry, magazine articles, graphic novels, cookbooks, travel guides, and newspapers all count!
Share the book you’re reading on social media! You never know the conversations that might come from it.
Use public transit time or waiting in line as an opportunity to get your 20 minutes in...paperbacks and e-readers are perfect for this!
Try reading aloud to yourself, your pet, or a loved one! Reading aloud can improve comprehension and make a story more engaging.
Pick books that tie into your goals or interests—whether it's travel, cooking, mindfulness, or learning a new skill.
Try one of the Best Books of 2025 so far from the New York Times.

Inspire Others to Join the Movement

The more people who take the pledge, the more impact we can make together. Use your voice to inspire others to Make Room to Read.

Download our Social Media Toolkit for ready-to-share images, sample captions, and hashtags that make it easy to invite friends, family, and coworkers to join the challenge.

Reading Challenge 2025

Reading has the power to unlock imagination, build lifelong skills, and open doors to opportunity.

Creative Ideas to Enrich Your Reading Time

Inspire Others to Join the Movement

More on Literacy

Libraries' impact on literacy around the globe

A journey from loss to literacy: Hafiz’s story and the rise of reading corners in Lebanon

Why this Sri Lankan teacher & student love our literacy program

World Change Starts with Educated Children.®