Inspiring Imagination
There are few pleasures in the world as great to me as reading. As a child, I read voraciously, and without limits—I read about Greek Mythology, and biographies of great men and women, and Japanese Folk Tales, and about Lost Treasures of the Incas, and Fairy Tales, all with equal fervor. I traveled to other worlds with Charles Wallace Murray, and grew up alongside Taran Wanderer. I learned about Robot Detectives, and Magic Swords, and Time Machines. But most importantly, I learned that we live in a world without limits. And that's the most important lesson of all.—James A. Owen, The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series
2019 Testimonial Archive
Della Guzman
Kindergarten Teacher, J. B. Sutton Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
December 20, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Here at Sutton we are so grateful to Steve Riley and the program Kids Need to READ for donating your precious time, money, and the love for reading with our students. It amazes me how much you give to our students and our community. From the bottom of our hearts...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
Leticia Castro
Principal, Brunson-Lee Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
December 20, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Thank you for helping us promote literacy and getting our students engaged and excited about reading.
Gabriela Medina
Reading Interventionist, Indian Oasis Elementary School, Sells, Arizona, Tohono O'odham Nation
December 19, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
It is an amazing experience for our children that do not always get to have these experiences or access to new and exciting books. They look forward to the visit each year and remember every visit from years prior. … All students were excited to read their books. That day during lunch time the students brought their books with them and were reading in the cafeteria while they ate lunch.
Amber Anglada, MLIS
Library Media Specialist, J. B. Fisher Elementary School, Richmond, Virginia
December 18, 2019
From Our Shelves to Yours
Thank you for your generosity! I was not expecting so many boxes! This honestly means a lot to our students. I am happy to say that with your donation we were able to send every student home with a book to add to their personal collection over the holidays. The way our students lit up when they realized that they were being gifted a book of their choice to keep is something that will stay with me. I cannot thank you enough! Please continue to do the amazing work that you do. I extend my gratitude to you and your team!
Julie Kautenburger
Reading Specialist, Palomino Primary School, Phoenix, Arizona
December 18, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
This is such a great program! Our students do not usually have new books at home. This program gives them the pride of ownership and helps teach them the importance of reading books at home. The kindergartners love the reading buddies! … All of the students LOVED getting new books and a reading buddy. When I walk through the classrooms afterwards, they were all reading their new books. Such a great thing!
Jackie Arzt
Title I Specialist, Lowell Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Our teachers look forward to your visit each year. Steven Riley is outstanding with the students and they are engaged from the beginning to the end of their time with him. Many of our students do not have any books at home and their eyes light up when they receive books from your organization. Thank you so much for all you do for our school!
Krystina Scotto
Assistant Principal, Nevitt Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
The program was great. The kids were really excited about meeting Steve and he did an amazing job keeping the kids engaged! … They were all excited to read the books they received!
Megan Cox
Second Grade Teacher/NEHS Adviser, Combs Traditional Academy, San Tan, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: School Carnival Book Distribution
The kids absolutely loved it! IT was a hit at our Fall Carnival! They all were talking about it. Thanks so much for coming out. My own children were so over the moon about getting books and prizes!
Gloria Weddle
Second Grade Teacher, Brunson-Lee Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Our students are so excited to have their own books!
Jessica Cobley
Title 1 Specialist, Edison Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Thank you so much for coming to Edison! The teachers look forward to this every year and the kids always have so much fun. Steven Riley is so entertaining and engaging. The students and the teachers love the books. Thanks again! … This is the best program for our Kindergartners that we have all year!
Linda McCabe
Board of Directors, Foothills Food Bank, Cave Creek, Arizona
December 17, 2019
The Page Coach: Holiday Book Distribution Event
A very special thank you for coming to our Holiday party at the Holland Center. … Our kids and families [were] so grateful for the beautiful books and all the attention you paid to each person. … What a thrill to get books and toys before they even entered the party! We adopted 533 families totaling over 1,502 individuals this year, a 20% increase over last year. You have helped make the season a bit brighter for the community.
Miss Gover
Kindergarten Teacher, Indian Wells Elementary School, Indian Wells, Arizona, Navajo Nation
December 4, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
Thank you for the amazing books and reading buddies.
Lauren Tarshis
Author
November 19, 2019
Grow Your Library
[Grow Your Library program directors] I am so lucky to be connected to you and your work!!!!
Nadine King
Executive Director, Christmas Come True, Bunnell, Florida
November 18, 2019
From Our Shelves to Yours
Thank you so very much for the wonderful donation of books! Our children will be so excited on Chrismas morning. I was just interviewing a mother who is struggling with 4 children and when I spoke with her about her 11-year-old son, she said he just loves to read, reads anything he can get his hands on and it is hard to get him to do anything else! Guess what, yes Andrew will get several books this Christmas. Thank you … Kids Need to Read for your generous donation.
SEF Board of Directors
San Gabriel Educational Foundation, San Gabriel, California
November 5, 2019
The Page Coach: District-wide Book Distribution Event
We cannot begin to thank you enough for your generous support of our community & our students. Your investment in our efforts is long lasting & impactful on so many levels.
Third Grade Students
Mountain View School, Phoenix, Arizona
October 28, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
I am so happy I read all the time! Bruiser's Game Day Rules I liket because it said be kind with people. It's ok if is not your friend. Be kind! I like that.
Thank you so much for giving all students in Mountain View such beautiful books. You were so kind to do this for us and it is helping my comprehension skills.
[The donation of books] helps me read more and more. And sometimes I read to my dogs But they don�t listen to me.
I am reading these books to my Family as often as possible. … It is also building my vocabulary, as I lern the meaning of new wards.
We have really enjoyed reading [the books] and Love to build a library of these books at our homes. … My family wants to thank you too.
Thank you so much for the free books. I Love Books. I liked the to read. I like adventure. The magazine had science. I tried rubbing a balloon in my hair and my hair want up. It was fun. I like the coloring book too. My favorite part was drawing Gidzilla.
We need books because we love to read books. They are fun to read. They can help you read better and become smart. I Love the books! They are good! … I like to read to my brother and sister. I Love to read to my family. It is fun.
Rebecca Itkoe
Special Needs Preschool Teacher, Mountain View School, Phoenix, Arizona
October 28, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
Thank you SO much for the generous book donation and reading buddies for the special needs preschoolers at Mountain View Elem. School! The children were SO excited and many brought their books and buddies back the next day. Thank you for your support!
Karen O'Keefe
ELL Testing Specialist, Mountain View School, Phoenix, Arizona
October 21, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
Because we have had Page Coach book give-aways in the past, many students asked me when our first book give-away would be. They cannot wait to pick out books of their own and cannot wait to take them home. This year their new books were the source of conversations throughout the day, especially in our Literacy Lab groups. The students told teachers that they were going to go home right after school to read and to draw! These books [will] be treasured and cherished for the entire year! THANK YOU!!!!!
Jill Sarraino, Principal, Shalini McCarthy and Emily Hill, Assistant Principals
Mountain View School, Phoenix, Arizona
October 21, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
We can't thank you enough for your kind donation to our students of Mountain View. You truly have no idea how much we appreciate this. It truly “takes a village” to do what's right for our kids today & this is beyond supportive & so needed. Thanks for your dedication to our Hawk family!
Jody Davis
Teacher and Coach, Shadow Hills High School, Indio, California
October 21, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
This event went better than I imagined. The Page Coach showed up early and everything was ready to go when my group of high school wrestlers showed up to help with the event. “Kids Need to Read” went above and beyond by giving the youngest kids a stuffed animal and even brought books for my wrestlers.
Here is the most important part of the day: Unless you were there to see it, you will never be able to understand the looks in the eyes of the kids, the smiles, and true differences that were made to these kids. Many of them had NEVER received a brand new book and for many... this will be their first book in the home.
Not only were the elementary kids impacted, but it made a positive difference in my wrestlers that took part in reading to them. Seeing how these young kids looked up to them gave them a bigger sense of self and it really made a difference.
Thanks again! You have all made an impact!!!!
Lynda Cordova
Instructional Coach, Oliphant Elementary School, Indio, California
October 21, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
One teacher told me that her students said “This is the best Friday ever!” I was impressed with the quality of the books and the overall organization for the day. Everything went smoothly and the materials the students received were engaging and appropriate. Thank you for bringing The Page Coach all the way to our desert! We would love to have you again in the future.
Carolina Martinez
Bilingual Family Service Advocate, Colorado River Indian Tribes Head Start, Parker, Arizona
October 18, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
Literacy is one of the areas that our program is always in search of improving and promoting to the Head Start families. The Head Start program is very thankful to your organization for donating wonder[ful] books that parents and families can read to their children.
Nancy Hughes
Branch Manager, Bertie County Public Library, Windsor, North Carolina
October 15, 2019
Grow Your Library
You touch so many lives & do so much for kids�y'all are great & I want you to know that!
Nicole Shamblin
Principal, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
October 1, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Distribution Event
This was an incredibly uplifting experience! I hope we have the opportunity to work with this organization again. Thanks to the ladies who came out to help! It was awesome!
Jennifer Montree
Head Start Teacher, Cactus Wren Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
September 13, 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Program Support/Book Distribution Event
Oh My GOODNESS!!! Thank you so much! This was so much more than I was expecting and my kids are going to love them. You guys are truly the best!!!
Lisa Lewis
Library Services Manager, Show Low Public Library, Show Low, Arizona
September 13, 2019
Grow Your Library/The Page Coach
Everything was absolutely fantastic! We loved the storytime and the Reading Buddies! The kids loved it as well! And of course all of the glorious books which really amped up our collection! This is a remarkable thing that you do for public libraries! We are so appreciative of your efforts and the support you give to libraries across the country, especially those of us who are smaller with smaller budgets! Thank you so much!
Heather Hatcher
Library Information Specialist, Show Low Public Library, Show Low, Arizona
September 13, 2019
Grow Your Library/The Page Coach
I was very impressed with how efficient and well put together your program was. I felt that all members that came represented were fun, engaging and very professional. I do not have any recommendations for improvement. It was wonderful. I really liked that the patrons and participants were able to have an active part in helping their library. I know that it also made the children and participants feel like and know that they too can make a difference and share. I know that our library, the community and I are very grateful for the opportunity to [have] participated in this wonderful program. We thank you and had a wonderful time working with everyone who helps make programs like this possible for our smaller communities.
Jamie Weill
Author
September 3, 2019
Grow Your Library
What an amazing idea!!! As a former second grade teacher and reading specialist, I'm really touched by this effort. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Holly Van Hoy
Children's Librarian, Alamosa Public Library, Alamosa, Colorado
August 19, 2019
Grow Your Library
I love the “pay it forward” aspect of the program. I love the assortment of titles that [Kids Need to Read] donated, and I really appreciate being asked what we needed most. I like that the program is just about good people putting good books in the hands of appreciative communities. There are no strings attached. None. No one is advertising anything or marketing anything to the library or the patrons. It was such a good feeling to welcome [the Grow Your Library program directors] to our library and to have our patrons show such enthusiasm!
Denise Gomez
Fun In The Son Bronx, Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency, Bronx, New York
July 15, 2019
From Our Shelves to Yours
This is exciting news! Thank you for all you have done for us. Your contribution will bring that extra ‘touch’ to our Kids Village.
Jennifer Span & The Dallas ISD MTSS Team
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator, Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, Texas
July 1, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Support
Thank you for donating so many amazing books! Our teachers were so excited. Your donation helped make our summer symposium a success. We appreciate you!
Diane Boyd
Volunteer, Faith Christian Center, Phoenix, Arizona
June 23, 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Event Book Giveaway
The kids were very excited about the books and reading buddies. Parents even wanted books. … I believe those who attended had a great time and were very appreciative of the books.
Jennifer Span
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator, Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, Texas
June 20, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Support
I wanted to share with you pictures from the 2019 MTSS Symposium and show you the wonderful difference you made for teachers and students in Dallas ISD. Your generosity will be felt for years to come. I am so elated to know you and am thankful for your contribution.
Cameron Broome
Executive Assistant/Project Manager, Faith Christian Center, Phoenix, Arizona
June 18, 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Event Book Giveaway
Just wanted to say that the books and bears look amazing and are awesome! The quality is above and beyond! Everything you've done is much appreciated!
Úna Maher
Kindergarten Teacher, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Hillsboro, Oregon
June 12, 2019
From Our Shelves to Yours
Today I passed out the books along with other writing materials for our kindergarten students to be stocked and ready for the summer. THANK YOU so much to you and your team for getting us our books for the school year, our winter break, and finally for our school year. We are building the personal libraries for these little ones!!
Karen O'Keefe
ELL Testing Specialist, Mountain View School, Phoenix, Arizona
June 7, 2019
The Page Coach: Storybook Adventures & Book Giveaway Events
First, thank you so very much for coming to read to our students in May and for all the Highlights!!! Our students so enjoy those magazines, and they loved listening to you read!!! Second, I want to thank you again and again and again for all of your support throughout the year. The books you and your organization have given to our students have been just wonderful. Please know that you ARE making a difference in their lives. They go home to several families in their apartment; they go home to sharing beds or floors and bathrooms with their relatives. Having a book to call their own, being able to put it in their backpack to keep it safe—that means a lot. Thank you.
Bobbi Torres
Media Center Specialist, Lowell Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
May 29, 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Event Book Giveaway
Our students couldn't believe they were given free books to take home and share. Our school is 98% free or reduced lunch, our students are in need or reading materials that they can keep. Our population is mostly Spanish speaking homes so our students are learning to read and their parents are learning to speak in English. Giving them these books helps with both the student and the parents working together and spending quality time with one another transforming their future.
Jackie Schell
Secretary, Altrusa International of the West Valley, Sun City West, Arizona
May 22, 2019
The Page Coach: Book Giveaway Event
We wanted to thank you for the generous donation of books and Highlights magazines for our “Summer Adventures” event. The parents were very appreciative of the books for their kids' summer reading.
Alex Macdonald
Principal, Edison Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
May 21, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest and Literacy Event Book Giveaway
Thanks for the generous donation of books and magazines for our young readers. Your efforts to connect our kiddos with great materials is fantastic for our families. They get so excited to get items of their very own. They light up every time.
Carrie Jasinski
K-3 Reading Coach, Kingswood Elementary School, Surprise, Arizona and Surprise Elementary School, El Mirage, Arizona
May 14, 2019
The Page Coach: Storybook Adventures
My students were SO inspired after the presentation! They were showing EVERYONE their new books. The staff who visited were extremely personable and it was evident they have a true passion for kids and reading.
Anna LeBlanc
Kindergarten Teacher, Guerrero Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
May 6, 2019
The Page Coach: Storybook Adventures
Thank you so much for coming every year to read to our Kindergartners and 1st graders! They always love it and we look forward to it too!!
Susane Colasanti
Author
April 12, 2019
Grow Your Library
Your dedication is so impressive. Grow Your Library has enriched the lives of so many kids. Thanks to [the Grow Your Library program directors] for all of your amazing work over the years!
Brad Meltzer
Author
April 1, 2019
Grow Your Library
Love what you're doing. AMAZING!
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Alliance for Education, San Bernardino, California
March 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Event Book Giveaway
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your generous donation of books for our reading rally. You all will make such a huge difference in the lives of our students & it will not soon be forgotten.
Kristina Jovin
Events, Projects, and Activities Specialist; San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; San Bernardino; California
March 20, 2019
The Page Coach: Literacy Event Book Giveaway
I truly cannot tell you how grateful we are for this donation. Your generosity is going to make a huge difference in the lives of some very sweet kiddos! I've attached the flyer for the event in September. I know it's quite a drive but it would be awesome if you could make it out and see the impact your organization has had.
Susan Jenni
Dean of Students, Edison Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
February 1, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Steven's energetic and thoughtful interactions with our students gave real meaning to the word “author” and our students will forever have a positive connotation with the word! He connected with our students through humor and I have never seen a room full of 100 kindergartners so completely engaged! Likewise Denise was amazing to work with and so sincere in wanting to support our reading goals at Edison. I was completely impressed!
Mary Pisani
Title I Clerk, Lowell Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
February 1, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Author Steven Riley and Kids Need to Read provides a most positive and engaging hour with our Kindergarten students. The children are fully participating and completely absorbed by Mr. Riley's story telling and illustrating. It's an added bonus that he shares his poster-sized illustrations with the students. Kids Need to Read is very generous in providing our students with beautiful books and a quality stuffed reading buddy. Their gift of time, talent, and books is a treasure for our students. Thank you from Lowell Elementary.
Katherine Knight
Kindergarten Teacher, J. B. Sutton Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona
January 31, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
Thank you for the opportunity to have Steven Riley and the Kids Need to Read staff present at our school. The kindergarteners were engaged and loved getting to meet a real life author/illustrator in person. Students were so excited to get their very own books and reading buddies. The joy our students expressed the rest of the week that they got to meet an Mr. Riley and have their very own books to take them home was heart warming. All students wanted to do was read to their reading buddies or friends. We greatly appreciate having this opportunity to partner with Kids Need to Read and hope to continue this partnership for many years to come.
Julie Kautenburger
Reading Specialist, Palomino Primary School, Phoenix, Arizona
January 31, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest and Storybook Adventures
The assemblies you have provided are fun and entertaining. They promote literacy in a fun way. The books and book buddies are so special for the students at our school.… All the kids enjoyed getting a new book of their own, and were excited to read it.
Anna LeBlanc
Kindergarten Teacher, Guerrero Elementary School, Mesa, Arizona
January 31, 2019
The Page Coach: Story Quest
The kids are always thrilled to see Mr. Riley and they are amazed when they find out the books they were given they can keep!
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