Empty space, drag to resize
A FREE, fun, and interactive book club

Welcome to Kids Read Registration

Registration for Spring 2026 is now closed!

Enter your email to be notified when the next registration opens.

Thank you! Your information has been successfully added to our mailing list.
Empty space, drag to resize

Program Recap

Kids Read is for kids ages 9-12 years old of all reading levels. 

Format:

Online/Zoom

Next Program:

Summer 2026

Location:

GTA and surrounding areas 

What is Kids Read

Kids Read is a FREE virtual book club where kids from different communities across the GTA come together to explore stories, meet new friends and make reading more fun. 


Over six weekly lessons, kids join live 75-minute book club meetings on Zoom. Each lesson is led by trained facilitators, and blends reading, games, and discussions that help kids explore who they are and what they think, and grow their confidence as readers.


Ongoing author visits also give kids an opportunity to ask their burning questions about their stories and creative process.

Featured Book

Spring 2026

Title

A Skeleton in the Closet

By

Claire Hatcher-Smith

Age Range

9 to 12

What It's About

Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way — not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realizes her aunt didn't just die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more . . . someone in the family appears to have been involved.

Application Process Overview

Step 1

Pre-screening: We’ll confirm the child’s eligibility based on age, location, and availability to attend the sessions.


Step 2

Registration Form: Complete the registration form with your child’s information.



Empty space, drag to resize

What makes this program special

Kids Read helps children grow as readers, connect with peers, and have fun discovering new books.
Empty space, drag to resize
Empty space, drag to resize
Free Books
Each participant receives a free copy of the featured novel and access to a digital D.E.A.R Diary Activity Journal to guide reading and reflection.
Supportive Mentorship and
Interactive Learning
Trained coaches lead each session, blending reading with engaging activities and games designed to make reading fun.

Diverse Reading Selection
We choose stories that reflect kids’ experiences and introduce them to diverse perspectives from authors around the world.
Author Visits and Exciting Prizes
Kids get to meet authors and have a chance to play games to win prizes throughout the program. 
Empty space, drag to resize

Q & A

Q: Who is eligible for Kids Read?
A: Kids Read is for kids 9-12 years old of all reading levels (and older readers that may benefit from extra reading support). 
Q: How are kids selected for Kids Read? 
A: We select kids based on the number of spots available and the eligibility criteria. Our eligibility criteria is as follows, participants must:
  • Be between the ages of 9 - 12 (or be an older reader that may benefit from extra reading support).
  • Live in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding areas.
  • Be available to participate in the 6 weekly book club lessons.
  • Have parental permission to participate in online ZOOM sessions and parental permission for online sessions to be recorded.


If we have more people interested in the program than we have spots, then we prioritize Black and Indigenous applicants, as well as applicants from the Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park Area of Toronto. 

Q: What is the cost for Kids Read?
A: Kids Read is a free program with limited spots. We ask that all participants commit to attending all six lessons so they can get the most out of the experience.
Q: What is expected of me as a caregiver with children participating in Kids Read?
A: As a caregiver, you're expected to ensure your child makes it online each week and to monitor your child’s participation at a distance. 
Q: How many weekly lessons are there, and how are they delivered?
A: The program includes 6 weekly lessons, offered online via ZOOM. The link to the virtual lessons will be sent in a reminder email each week. 
Q: Can I register more than one child in the program?
A: Yes! During registration, you can let us know if you'll be applying with more than one child.

Registration for Spring 2026 is now closed

Enter your email to be notified when the next registration opens.
Thank you! Your information has been successfully added to our mailing list.