Book Days® is a literacy movement built to do more than place books in children’s hands—we bring stories to life in a way that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and creates lasting connection to reading.
 

But here’s the reality we can’t ignore—
 

Today, only 1 in 3 children are reading at grade level, and 54% of adults in the U.S. struggle with basic literacy (National Assessment of Educational Progress; National Center for Education Statistics).

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That’s not just an education issue—it’s a life trajectory issue.

When children don’t connect with reading early, the impact doesn’t stay in the classroom—it ripples outward.
 

Low literacy is directly linked to:
 

• Higher dropout rates

• Increased reliance on social support systems

• Limited workforce readiness and earning potential

• And disproportionately higher incarceration rates
   

In fact, a large percentage of the incarcerated population struggles with basic literacy, and low literacy is estimated to cost the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion each year (World Literacy Foundation).
 

This isn’t just about reading.
It’s about opportunity, workforce strength, and the future of our communities.
 

That’s why Book Days exists.

 

Our Mission

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To ignite a lifelong love of reading by transforming books into immersive, real-world experiences that engage the whole child.
 

Our Vision

 

A world where every child—regardless of background—has access to books, experiences, and opportunities that unlock their imagination, strengthen literacy, and shape their future.
 

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Our Story

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Book Days was founded by Kassi Kincaid, a former preschool administrator who saw firsthand both the power of children’s literature—and the growing challenges surrounding engagement, burnout, and literacy development in early education.
 

What began as a simple classroom idea—pairing a children’s book with a hands-on activity—quickly evolved into something much bigger.
 

In 2018, Kassi started bringing stories to life through theatrical storytelling and multi-sensory learning experiences. What started as monthly classroom moments became transformational experiences that children remembered, repeated, and carried beyond the classroom.
 

By 2019, the program gained academic recognition, being published in the peer-reviewed journal Early Years, while also expanding into professional development for educators.
 

When the world shifted in 2020, Book Days adapted—launching digital content that connected books to real-world experiences, expanding its reach beyond physical classrooms.
 

Since then, Book Days has grown into a full-scale initiative, reaching:

• 72+ schools

• 22,000+ students

• With a strong focus on Title I communities
   

Along the way, the program has collaborated with organizations such as Whole Foods, Flex, NASA,
SeaWorld, and United Way of Greater Austin—while continuing to expand its impact through school tours, educator support, and partnerships.
 

Today, Book Days is scaling toward a bold vision:
bringing immersive literacy experiences to children across the country—and beyond.​

We don’t just encourage reading.
We create experiences children feel.
 

Every Book Day is designed to:

• Turn reading into something active, not passive

• Connect stories to real-world understanding

• Engage multiple senses to deepen retention

• Create moments children want to revisit again and again

Because when a child experiences a story—
they don’t just read it.
They remember it.

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Behind the Name

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“Book Days” started as a simple phrase—an easy way for young children to describe a day centered around a story.
 

But it became something more.
 

What began as a single classroom experience that filled an entire morning—storytelling, activities, imagination—has grown into a name that represents transformation.
 

Today, a “Book Days” aren't just events.
It’s a moment where reading comes to life.

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Looking Ahead

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We believe literacy is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a child’s future—and we’re just getting started.
 

With upcoming statewide and national tours, new partnerships, and expanded programming,
Book Days is building toward a future where every child has access not just to books—

but to the kind of experiences that make them fall in love with reading.

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