Kari KurjiakaAugust 05, 2025
New York, NY – August 5, 2025 – Reach Out and Read of Greater New York is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Barefoot Books through Book Buying Buddies, an initiative that unites 19 partner organizations to collectively purchase high-quality, culturally reflective English and bilingual books in bulk. This collaboration will enable the distribution of over 200,000 culturally reflective books to children across the country, promoting early literacy and fostering a love of reading at the most critical stage of development.
Through this partnership, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and participating partners, including 10 additional Reach Out and Read Affiliates and other early literacy organizations, have carefully selected a range of board books and paperbacks that reflect the richness of the communities they serve. Titles include bilingual English/Spanish books, books with diverse characters, and stories that celebrate themes of inclusion, empathy, and family bonding.
“Access to books during early childhood has a profound impact on a child’s ability to develop language, literacy, and social-emotional skills,” said Emily Marchese, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. “This partnership with Barefoot Books allows us to deliver more books to children who need them most, ensuring that families have the tools they need to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
Since its inception, Book Buying Buddies has enabled over 25 organizations to leverage their collective purchasing power, helping to reduce per-book costs and maximize the reach of early literacy efforts.
We’re proud to join Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and the Book Buying Buddies coalition to get inclusive, high-quality books into the hands of children who need them most,” said Nancy Traversy, CEO and Co-Founder of Barefoot Books. “This collaboration is a testament to the power of collective action—and the profound impact it can have in building a more literate, empathetic, and equitable world.”
Supporting early literacy is more critical than ever. Research shows that children who are read to regularly, starting at birth, develop stronger vocabulary, language, and social-emotional skills, setting the stage for success in school and beyond. Reach Out and Read works closely with pediatricians to integrate books into well-child visits, empowering families to read together and bond through storytelling.
“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to equity and representation in children’s books,” said Erin Henry, Reach Out and Read’s interim CEO. “Telling the stories of the children, families, communities, and cultures we serve nurtures not only literacy and language, but also a strong sense of identity and belonging. The collaboration between Barefoot Books and Book Buddies demonstrates how we can work together to reach more families nationwide and strengthen early literacy on a large scale.”
Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and its 19 partner organizations are excited to distribute these books starting this summer. Together, they aim to reduce educational disparities, promote early learning, and ensure that all children, regardless of background, have access to the joy and benefits of reading.
About Reach Out and Read of Greater New York
For 25 years, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York has been preparing young children for success in school and life by working with pediatricians and medical providers to integrate books into pediatric care. Each year, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York serves over 250,000 children across 230 clinics in Greater New York, with a focus on serving low-income children and families. Learn more at www.reachoutandreadnyc.org.
About Barefoot Books
Barefoot Books is an award-winning, independent, women-owned children’s book publisher based in Concord, MA. For over 30 years, they have created picture books, board books, activity decks, and singalongs for children aged 0–12 that celebrate diversity, social-emotional learning, global awareness, and sustainability. Their beloved singalong videos have garnered over half a billion views on YouTube, and recent accolades include the Stonewall Book Honor for Marley’s Pride and the Pura Belpré Honor for Benita and the Night Creatures. www.barefootbooks.com.
Media Contact:
Kari Kurjiaka
Director of Literacy & Public Policy, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York
Email: kkurjiaka@reachoutandreadnyc.org | Phone: 646-893-7333