2024 ReadingPals Conference & Celebration with Emily Hanford

Renowned journalist and producer, Emily Hanford, whose hit podcast Sold a Story (Sold a Story en español) was one of the most-shared shows on Apple Podcasts in 2023, gave the keynote address. Emily’s work has helped change practice and policy on literacy across the country. She shared stories and insights to shift our perspective on how children are being taught to read in the U.S., and what volunteers, parents/caregivers, teachers, and community partners need to know to make the greatest impact.

ReadingPals provides volunteer mentors for students from pre-K to 3rd grade who may need extra help—operating across 15 Florida regions. Over the last 12 years, nearly 30,000 students have received a ReadingPals mentor and a share of 530,000 donated books.