Olympic Gold Medalist Brings Books to 6,000 Kids Yearly

A cafeteria full of Sacramento kids erupted in cheers when Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi announced they could keep their new purple tablets forever, as long as they kept reading.

The figure skating champion visited Hazel Strauch Elementary School in Twin Rivers to read her book "Cara's Kindness" and celebrate students who've been using tablets from her nonprofit, Always Dream. Each device comes loaded with thousands of digital library books that teachers use for classroom learning.

"I don't think kids can hear it enough about how easy it is to be kind or to be a good friend," Yamaguchi told the gathered students, parents and teachers. "And like good karma, it will come back to you."

The visit marked a full circle moment for the school. Yamaguchi's Always Reading program had provided the tablets months earlier, giving students access to a digital library they might not otherwise have at home.

Principal Cheryl Chandler said many teachers grew up watching Yamaguchi compete and were thrilled to show their students her skating videos before the visit. Since this is an Olympic year, the timing felt especially perfect.

The Ripple Effect

Yamaguchi's program reaches far beyond one Sacramento school. Always Reading now serves 6,000 students annually across 40 schools, providing both digital tablets and physical books to underserved children.

But the program goes deeper than just handing out technology. Yamaguchi emphasized that her team works with families to help parents and caregivers become confident reading partners at home.

"It's really about involving the primary caregivers at home on how to play that important role of the at-home educator," she explained. Reading together creates connections that become the foundation for a child's entire education journey.

After Yamaguchi finished reading, students peppered her with questions and lined up for photos. Then came the best surprise: every child got to take home their own copy of "Cara's Kindness."

A gold medal may shine, but giving thousands of kids the tools to succeed creates a legacy that lasts forever.