Highlights for Children has partnered with New Worlds Reading, a Florida-based initiative focused on children’s literacy and family reading engagement, to help bring free reading materials to eligible students across the state.
Through this collaboration, Highlights and New Worlds Reading partnered to create Florida-themed special editions of High Five and Highlights magazines for families participating in the New Worlds Reading program. Powered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center, the initiative delivers books to eligible students throughout the school year to support reading development at home.
The magazines from Highlights are distributed during the summer months to students in Voluntary Prekindergarten through fifth grade who are not yet meeting reading benchmarks for their grade level. By extending reading opportunities during summer break, the partnership helps families maintain reading momentum when school is not in session.
Each magazine includes the stories, puzzles, jokes, and interactive features that have long been part of the Highlights experience. Select content is also translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole to support multilingual families and increase accessibility. In addition, each mailing includes a welcome letter and journal prompts designed to encourage children to reflect, write, and stay engaged with reading throughout the summer.
Together, Highlights for Children and New Worlds Reading are working to expand access to engaging reading experiences for young learners across Florida and helping to make it easier for families to share stories, build literacy skills, and nurture a lasting love of reading. Both organizations share a focus on encouraging shared reading experiences between children and their caregivers. Research consistently shows that reading together supports early literacy development while also strengthening family connections.
About New Worlds Reading
New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home program that mails 9 free books to eligible VPK - 5th graders each school year. Plus, deliveries include reading activities and resources families can use to help build kids’ reading skills. Books are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. See if your child is eligible and apply at newworldsreading.com.