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A FREE, fun, and interactive book club

Welcome to Kids Read Registration

Registration for Fall 2025 is closed now.

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Program Recap

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

Format:
Online/Zoom

Next Program:
Spring 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 sessions, kids join live 75-minute book club meetings on Zoom. Each session 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.

Book of this Session

Winter 2026

Title

Race to Fire Mountain

By

Remi Blackwood 

Age Range

9 to 12

What It's About

Jarell has never quite known where he belongs. He’s ignored at home and teased at school for wanting to draw instead of playing sports with the other boys. The only place he’s ever felt truly at ease is his local barbershop where the owner hangs Jarell’s art up on the walls. When Jarell discovers a hidden portal in the barbershop, he’s transported to a magical world that’s unlike anything he’s seen before. But it’s not just the powerful gods and dangerous creatures that makes this world different--it’s that everyone believes Jarell is the hero they’ve been waiting for.

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 a 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. 
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.
  • Live in the Greater Toronto Area.
  • Be available to participate in the 6 weekly book club meet-ups.
  • 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. Because spots are limited, we ask for your child’s full engagement and participation in all sessions to make the most of this opportunity.
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 sessions are there, and how are they delivered?
A: The program includes 6 weekly sessions, offered online via ZOOM. The link to the virtual sessions 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—as long as each child is between 9–12 years old.

Registration for Fall 2025 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.