Kids Reading Across Rhode Island Program Promotes Literacy

Annual statewide effort connects schools and libraries to encourage reading among 4th-6th graders

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:51am

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of children reading books together in a cozy library setting, conveying a sense of wonder and discovery through the power of literature.The Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program aims to spark a lifelong love of reading and community engagement among the state's young readers.Providence Today

The Kids Reading Across Rhode Island (KRARI) program is an annual statewide initiative that aims to encourage reading and community engagement among 4th-6th grade students in Rhode Island. This year's book selections are 'A Cup of Quiet' by Nikki Grimes and 'Conjure Island' by Eden Royce, which were chosen by a committee of librarians and teachers based on criteria like reading level, format availability, and representation of diverse voices.

Why it matters

The KRARI program is designed to expose students to their local public libraries and reading programs, with the goal of fostering a love of reading and building empathy and emotional exploration through books. The program is part of a larger adult-focused 'Reading Across Rhode Island' initiative, and organizers hope to make the selections more 'intergenerational' by connecting them to the adult program's themes.

The details

The KRARI program will kick off on June 13 with an event where students can pick up signed copies of the selected books and meet author Nikki Grimes. The program will run through the summer. Both books were chosen to represent different voices and experiences - 'A Cup of Quiet' focuses on a grandmother-granddaughter relationship in nature, while 'Conjure Island' is a fantasy novel inspired by Gullah Geechee folklore that aims to accurately portray the American South.

  • The KRARI program was founded in 2010.
  • This year marks the 17th KRARI program since its inception.
  • The 2026 kickoff event will take place on June 13.

The players

Danielle Margarida

Youth services coordinator at the Office of Library and Information Services.

Kate Lentz

Executive director of the Rhode Island Center for the Book.

Cheryl Space

Library director of the Community Libraries of Providence.

Nikki Grimes

Author of 'A Cup of Quiet.'

Eden Royce

Author of 'Conjure Island.'

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What they’re saying

“Helping our children develop the practice of spending time in nature is to give them a vital, living source of knowledge — a treasure that can last their lifetime.”

— Nikki Grimes, Author

“A lot of times, it's shorthand in film when someone speaks with a Southern accent, you're automatically supposed to assume that this person is undereducated. I hope the book will be informative and help dispel some misconceptions about what it's like to be a Southerner.”

— Eden Royce, Author

“I think the act of reading itself is so important, especially in today's society, because kids are being inundated with other types of media. Through books, they can really build empathy, and they can explore their feelings.”

— Cheryl Space, Library Director

What’s next

The KRARI program will host a kickoff event on June 13 where students can pick up signed copies of the selected books and meet author Nikki Grimes. The program will run through the summer.

The takeaway

The KRARI program aims to foster a love of reading and community engagement among Rhode Island students, exposing them to their local libraries and diverse literary voices. By connecting the student program to the adult-focused 'Reading Across Rhode Island' initiative, organizers hope to create more intergenerational connections around the joy of reading.