Readathon Revolution is a global campaign by Books Without Borders that turns the joy of reading into real-world impact. Through every page read, students help expand access to education for underserved children and schools in South Sudan.
Schools can start registering today! Click the Register button below and have your school registered by November 3 to receive all the materials for your students to participate. The Readathon will take place from November 5 to November 19, 2025.
What is Readathon Revolution?
Readathon Revolution is a nationwide reading challenge by Books Without Borders that unites schools, elementary students, and families in a shared mission: to promote literacy while supporting access to education for children in South Sudan. Over a two-week period, students read as much as they can and collect pledges from family and friends for every page or book they complete. 70% of proceeds go directly toward building libraries, funding tuition, and providing school supply kits to children in underserved communities, while the remaining 30% of funds raised go directly to your school. Through this initiative, students not only strengthen their own reading skills but also experience how their efforts can create a real impact locally in their own schools and globally across the world.
How does Readathon Revolution work?
Participating schools receive a full set of materials, from student reading logs to parent letters and donation forms, making it simple for teachers to organize and track participation. Each student sets a personal reading goal for the two-week challenge and gathers pledges from parents, relatives, or community members who agree to donate based on their reading progress. Teachers collect reading logs and pledge forms, and at the end of the event, schools submit their total funds raised to Books Without Borders. The program includes resources to celebrate success, such as printable certificates and classroom leaderboards, helping educators keep students motivated and engaged throughout.
Why does Readathon Revolution exist?
Readathon Revolution was created to tackle two pressing educational challenges: declining reading engagement among American youth and the global crisis of limited access to education. In the U.S., fewer children are reading for fun, while in places like South Sudan, millions of students don’t have books or safe learning spaces at all. This initiative bridges both worlds, encouraging children here to rediscover the joy of reading while helping children abroad gain the tools they need to learn. Every pledge raised either goes back to participating schools (30% of proceeds) or helps build libraries, fund girls’ tuition, and supply schools in South Sudan with essential learning materials (70% of proceeds). Through Readathon Revolution, schools and students become part of a global effort to rewrite the story of education, one page at a time.
Timeline & Important Info
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Oct. 15-Nov. 3
Register & Prep Materials
Schools sign up to participate and receive their full Readathon Toolkit, including student reading logs, parent letters, and step-by-step teacher guides for a smooth, successful readathon.
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Nov. 5-19
Readathon Takes Place
Students read as much as they can, track their progress, and collect pledges from family and friends. Teachers help monitor reading goals and keep classrooms motivated throughout the two-week challenge.
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Nov. 19-21
Wrap-Up & Celebrate
Parents/supporters submit donations (due Nov. 21), schools finalize reading totals, and students celebrate the impact they’ve made together in supporting global literacy. BWB returns 30% of the funds your school raised!