The students' love for reading has even led them to write a book, set to be published. "It’s all stuff we like or are good at," they said, showcasing their creativity and passion for storytelling.

Launched in January, it’s a partnership between the city and the school division and is free to each of the more than 1,300 public-school second graders. “To watch the kids progress from the ...

Of the 8,153 second graders in the district, 4,545 students, or 56%, are not reading at the grade-level metrics the district requires, MSCS said in a press release issued late Friday afternoon.