Read-A-Thon
January 16 - 31, 2025
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Reading Inspiration
This page contains reading inspiration for all ages from our community members, schools, libraries, and the broader community. We’re grateful for all of these contributions and resources and hope they inspire you throughout the Read-A-Thon and beyond.
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Resources on this page include:
Finding Reading Materials
The Reading Bug has a wide selection of books on social justice, anti-racism, and celebration of diversity available in-store and online. See staff recommendations on:​
Free for all San Carlos residents
downloadable e-books, audiobooks
complimentary book holds & transfers
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Book Lists of titles on social justice, anti-racism and celebrating cultural diversity:​
Find book swap boxes all over town!​
The San Francisco Exploratorium presents: a storybook read-aloud, followed by a fun related experiment
Choose from hundreds of celebrity read-alouds from Storyline Online
Recommendations
FREE Online Books and News Articles
Videos & Podcasts for different ages
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Reading Bug Podcast: A Steam Train Adventure (K-3rd)
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Reading Bug Podcast: A Dragon Adventure (K-3rd)
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Reading Bug Podcast: A Treasure Hunting Adventure (K-3rd)
Storytimes & Read-Alouds​
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Story Video “Sebastian and the Balloon” with Eron Block from SCCT (K-3rd)
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Story Video “Goodnight iPad” with Emma Lou Moore & Stacy Emory
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Story Time Science from the Tinkering Studio at The Exploratorium
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Story Time Science for Kids with Vivian Altmann at The Exploratorium
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“More to the Story” by Hena Khan, (4th-8th grade)
Hena Khan reads an excerpt from her book, “More to the Story” and talks about how the heartfelt story was influenced by Louisa May Alcott’s, “Little Women.” -
HARRIET TUBMAN in “She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton, and “Little Leaders” by Vashti Harrison Video Here (2nd-8th)
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TESSA SANDERSON in “Little Leaders” by Vashti Harrison Video Here (2nd-8th)
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MARY BLAIR in “Little Leaders” by Vashti Harrison Video Here (2nd-8th)
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ROSA PARKS in “Little People, Big Dreams” by Lisbeth Kaiser & Marta Antelo Video Here (K-4th)
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MAYA ANGELOU in “Little People: Big Dreams” by Lisbeth Kaiser & Marta Antelo Video Here (K-4th)
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ELLA FITZGERALD i”Little People: Big Dreams” by Lisbeth Kaiser & Marta Antelo Video Here (K-4th)
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Oprah Winfrey reads “The Hula-Hoopin Queen” by Thelma Lynne Godin & Vanessa Brantley-Newton Video Here (K-4th)
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LeBron James, “I Promise” Video Here (K-3rd)
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“A World of Pausabilities” by Frank Sileo (K-2nd)
Frank Sileo presents an inviting introduction to mindfulness. -
Sarah Cassanego, San Carlos School Board, “Sophia Valdez Future Prez“
Read-alouds in Spanish, Mandarin and More languages
More Languages
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German: Teddys Abenteuer
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French: Croque-Moi Si Tu Peux
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Portuguese: O Pai Da Mamãe
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Russian: The Chicken and the Duckling
Poetry Inspiration
Former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, says “My goal has never been to convert every young person into a professional writer; my goal is to make sure every young person has the literacy skills they need to raise their voice and change their communities. That passion drives me every day.” Learn more about Amanda here.
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Below is a selection of poetry from Amanda Gorman:
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Additional youth poetry inspiration
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Solli Raphael, 12-year-old poet
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Greer Nakadegawa-Lee, 2020 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate finalist in conversation with 2019 OYPL Samuel Getachew
For any Read-A-Thon issues or questions, please contact events@scefkids.org