Milwaukee Kids Champion Kindness Through Reading Week

Ten-year-old Jaliyha has a simple reason for loving books: they make her brain smarter, and reading is her favorite thing to do. At Hawthorne Elementary in Milwaukee, she and her classmates are turning pages and opening hearts during Read Across America Week 2026.

This year's theme, "Championing Kindness," invites students nationwide to explore stories that teach empathy, respect, and community connection. For 11-year-old Auden, that means diving into everything from dark fantasy and dystopian tales to books about countries and war.

The nationwide celebration, organized by the National Education Association since 1998, has evolved beyond a single week into a year-round literacy movement. Schools now emphasize diverse authors and culturally responsive books that reflect students' lived experiences.

At Hawthorne Elementary, guest readers play a starring role in bringing the celebration to life. These visitors show students the possibilities that lie ahead, offering glimpses of who they might become.

"When we pull in our special guest readers, it's allowing the kids to see something beyond themselves," explains Christal Liddell, the school's Parent Coordinator. "Somebody else beyond themselves of who they could be, what they can be when they get older."

The focus extends beyond literacy skills alone. Hawthorne prioritizes supporting students academically while nurturing their social and emotional growth, helping them build confidence and connection with their peers.

The Ripple Effect

Read Across America 2026 events are happening in classrooms nationwide, featuring read-alouds, community literacy nights, book donation drives, and student-led kindness campaigns. When students feel supported, represented, and inspired, learning transforms from an obligation into something they genuinely enjoy.

The results show up in classrooms like those at Hawthorne, where young readers eagerly share their favorite genres and explain why books matter to them. These conversations about fantasy worlds and real-life history expand both imaginations and knowledge.

Books become bridges to understanding when schools choose stories that promote empathy and positive relationships. Students learn to see themselves in characters and recognize experiences different from their own.

When reading meets kindness, every page turned becomes an opportunity to grow a little smarter and a little more compassionate.