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A FREE, fun, and interactive book club

Welcome to Kids Read Registration

Registration for Summer 2026 is now closed

Enter your email to be notified when Fall 2026 registration opens.

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Program Overview

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

Format:

Online/Zoom

Next Program:

Fall 2026
October 27- Dec 01 

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

Fall 2026

Title

I Won't Feel This Way Forever 

By

Kim Spencer

Age Range

9 to 12

What It's About

Summer vacation starts off well enough as Mia binges MuchMusic and learns how to jar fish with her aunty and uncle. Then her grandma starts feeling unwell. At first, Mia isn’t too worried, but when a call comes in from the clinic to say her grandmother has to go to the hospital in Vancouver, everyone realizes this is serious.

Mia and her mom and aunties head to the city to be by her grandmother’s side. Mia mostly ping-pongs from the hospital to the motel, but she also gets to see some of the city and eat (too much) takeout. She even joins a basketball camp at the Friendship Centre, where she meets a teen coach who inspires her to get back into the game she loves and delve deeper into what it means to be Indigenous. As time passes, Mia’s grandmother's health doesn’t improve, and she has to face the fact that her beloved grandma might not get better.

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.



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What makes this program special

Kids Read helps children grow as readers, connect with peers, and have fun discovering new books.
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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. 
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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 Summer 2026 is now closed

Enter your email to be notified when Fall 2026 registration opens.
Thank you! Your information has been successfully added to our mailing list.