For Readers, Families & Educators
Books we love, organizations doing great work, and documents to help you get involved.
Recommended Reading
A curated reading list for youth ages 11–14 — diverse voices, compelling stories, and characters kids can see themselves in. These are titles we've used in our book clubs and highly recommend.
Auggie Pullman starts middle school after years of home schooling due to a facial difference. A powerful story about kindness, belonging, and courage.
Empathy IdentityMia Tang and her family manage a motel in California after immigrating from China. A story of resilience, justice, and the power of words.
Immigration FamilyCastle "Ghost" Cranshaw is fast — but running away from his past until a track coach gives him a shot at something bigger. Vivid, honest, and unforgettable.
Sports PerseveranceA novel in verse about twin brothers, basketball, and family. Winner of the Newbery Medal — fast-paced and impossible to put down.
Poetry FamilyThe Logan family fights to hold onto their land in 1930s Mississippi. A Newbery Medal winner that honestly portrays racism and the power of family dignity.
History JusticeA wealthy Mexican girl loses everything and must start over as a migrant farm worker in California. A story of hope, hardship, and transformation.
Immigration ResilienceTen-year-old Bud escapes a bad foster home and sets out across Depression-era Michigan in search of his father. Funny, warm, and deeply human.
History AdventureBased on the true story of Salva Dut, a Lost Boy of Sudan. Spare, powerful, and essential — a story of survival and purpose.
True Story GlobalBrian survives a plane crash and must live alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet. A gripping survival story kids devour.
Survival AdventureStanley Yelnats is sent to a strange detention camp where boys dig holes in the desert all day. Funny, mysterious, and brilliantly constructed.
Mystery FriendshipIn a society that has eliminated pain and conflict, twelve-year-old Jonas learns the disturbing truth about his world. A classic for sparking deep conversation.
Dystopian SocietyEsperanza Cordero grows up in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago and dreams of a life beyond her circumstances. Lyrical and unforgettable.
Coming of Age CommunityHave a book recommendation for our clubs? We'd love to hear it.
Send a RecommendationExternal Resources
Organizations, tools, and websites we trust for supporting children's literacy — for parents, educators, and volunteers alike.
The largest children's literacy nonprofit in the US — free books and literacy resources for children in need.
Integrates literacy promotion into pediatric care — provides books and guidance on reading aloud to children.
Provides new books and resources to children in need — a great source for diverse, affordable titles for programs like ours.
Bay Area-based organization offering literacy programs for adults and families in the community.
Research-based strategies, lesson plans, and articles to help children become strong readers. Excellent for teachers and parents.
Trusted, age-appropriate book reviews and reading lists curated for tweens and teens.
Search for books by reading level, topic, or grade — ideal for finding the right match for each reader.
Free digital library for kids up to age 12 — over 40,000 books available, great for virtual book club participants.
Free library cards, reading programs, and community events for Oakland youth of all ages.
OUSD literacy resources, programs, and community partnerships supporting Oakland students.
Find additional volunteer literacy opportunities in your community — or list your own.
Downloads
Helpful documents for volunteers, educators, and anyone looking to learn more about Read to Thrive. Upload your PDFs to the docs/ folder and update the links below.
Everything you need to know to lead a Read to Thrive book club — our philosophy, session format, and tips for success.
Download PDF ↓Ready to join our team? Download and complete the volunteer application form, then email it to us.
Download PDF ↓Sample discussion questions and activity ideas to help volunteers lead engaging, thoughtful book club sessions.
Download PDF ↓Information for English teachers interested in partnering with Read to Thrive to bring book clubs into their classrooms.
Download PDF ↓An overview of Read to Thrive's programs, reach, and outcomes — great for donors, partners, and supporters.
Download PDF ↓Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.
Email Us →Note: Documents marked with ↓ are PDFs that open in a new tab. To add or update a document, upload your PDF to the docs/ folder on DreamHost and update the link here.