Rally to Read is Reading Is Fundamental's free, six-month reading initiative that brings families, educators, and communities together around the joy of books. From October through March, each month features a new theme, two free author read-aloud videos, and resources that help kids keep reading and talking about stories at home and in the classroom.
The goal is simple: make reading together a shared celebration, not a chore. Every read-aloud is a chance for a child to hear a great story from the person who created it, and for the adults in their life to keep the conversation going.
When Does Rally to Read Start?
The 2026-27 Rally to Read season begins October 1, 2026, and runs through March 2027. Each month, a new theme and two new read-alouds are shared at RallytoRead.org, so there is always something fresh to read together.
How Does Rally to Read Work?
Rally to Read works in three easy steps: watch, read, and talk. Families and educators visit RallytoRead.org each month to:
- Watch two author read-alouds tied to that month's theme.
- Explore book recommendations, activities, and free resources connected to each story.
- Talk about the story together, then find new books that build on the theme.
This year's read-alouds feature Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks and Penguin Random House Picks, giving kids access to beloved authors and illustrators they may not otherwise get to hear from.
What Are This Year's Rally to Read Themes and Read-Alouds?
This year's six themes are Community, Sustainability, Celebration, Responsibility, Changemakers, and Innovation. Here is the full lineup of 12 author read-alouds, month by month.
October: Community
Rally to Read opens with stories about the people and places that help us feel connected.
- A Room with a View by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thaís Mesquita
- How to Hatch by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
November: Sustainability
November's stories invite kids to explore how we grow, share, and care for the world around us.
- Growing Together by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Paola Escobar
- The Farm Next Door by Kelly Rice Schmitt, illustrated by Charles Santoso
December: Celebration
Just in time for the holiday season, December celebrates joy, wishes, and the moments we share.
- The Bakery Dragon and the Giant Cookie written and illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz
- Emilia Wishing by Belen Medina, illustrated by Magdalena Mora
January: Responsibility
The new year is a perfect time to talk about dreams, choices, and doing our part.
- When You Dream Big! written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
- The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk, illustrated by Kristen Adam
February: Changemakers
February highlights the courage and curiosity it takes to make a difference.
- You Belong in the Wild by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
- Swing! written and illustrated by James Yang
March: Innovation
Rally to Read wraps up with stories that celebrate big ideas, bold inventions, and never giving up.
- The Lost Robot written and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
- We Are the Wright Brothers by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Who Is Rally to Read For?
Rally to Read is for anyone who wants to share the joy of reading with children. The read-alouds and activities work for families reading at home, teachers and librarians leading a class or storytime, and community groups hosting reading events. The picture books in this year's lineup are a great fit for young readers, and they spark conversations that older kids can join, too.
Is Rally to Read Free?
Yes. Every Rally to Read read-aloud video and resource is completely free. There is no cost to watch, download activities, or use the materials in your home or classroom.
How Can I Join Rally to Read?
You can join Rally to Read by visiting RallytoRead.org starting October 1. From there, you can:
- Watch the October read-alouds and mark your calendar for each new month.
- Plan a monthly read-aloud night at home or a regular read-aloud time in your classroom.
- Keep the fun going with free activities and reading tips from Literacy Central.
- Explore Skybrary, RIF's kids' reading app, where every child can access 100 eBooks for free.
Rally With Us This Year
For 60 years, RIF has worked toward a future where every child has the opportunity, and the inspiration, to read. Rally to Read is one of the simplest ways to be part of that future: one story, one conversation, one month at a time. Gather your readers and join the rally at RallytoRead.org.