Kids Need to Read | Story Quest

The highlight of the year was having guest speakers like Steven Riley visit our school. His high energy, extremely engaging storytelling and humor made a huge impression on the students. The excitement generated was not only for the books he wrote but for each student now wanting to write their own stories and create their own unique characters, which was truly amazing.—Todd Kemmerer, Counselor, Children First Academy, Tempe, Arizona

Story Quest Program Sponsors

Arizona Coyotes

Go on a ‘Story Quest’, spark a smile, and launch an imagination!

In tandem with Kids Need to Read, author and Advisory Council member Steven Riley has developed a truly one-of-a-kind approach to reading—one that encourages a love of books quite literally from within!

A man of a thousand characters (and quite the character himself), Steven Riley and his interactive Story Quest workshops walk children through every step of the creative process, planting the seed of a simple idea and then watching it grow as young minds conspire and collaborate toward their own literary masterpiece.

Fun, silly, and invariably epic, the results are predictably unpredictable, with no two outcomes ever quite the same. Yet wherever the story may lead, one thing never changes: since its inception in 2010, Story Quest has been delighting and energizing children like few programs can. Of course, the reason for this success might just be the man behind the plan, Mr. Riley himself. Steven has a remarkable gift for connecting with kids of all ages, coaxing the shy into participation while harnessing extroverted energy. Along the way, all in attendance—children and adults alike—are treated to the hilarious hijinks of a natural-born showman. Seriously, we dare you not to laugh!

A wonderful friend to Kids Need to Read, Steven Riley brings to the organization a unique blend of enthusiasm and storytelling flair, fueled by a true passion for education. Originally a once-a-year experience held during Phoenix Comicon, we have since been privileged to expand his magical workshop to the classroom, incorporating it into Kids Need to Read’s literacy programs with genuinely inspired results.

We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future and to bringing such a special experience to as many children as possible. You know you’re onto something extraordinary when the kids forget they’re learning!

Learn more about Story Quest