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 ...

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.

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.