Building a Culture of Literacy Across Dallas ISD
On January 14, United to Learn celebrated its 100th Book Bash at Victor H. Hexter Elementary School, marking a significant milestone in a community-powered effort to foster a joyful culture of reading across Dallas.
Students entered a transformed, “Wild About Reading” jungle-themed space and selected a free, brand-new book to take home—an experience designed to make reading feel personal, exciting, and accessible. Author Brad Davidson and author-illustrator Rachel Más Davidson joined the celebration, engaging with students and signing books.
Nearly 60,000 Books and Growing
Since December 2021, United to Learn Book Bashes have helped place nearly 60,000 free books into the hands of Dallas ISD elementary students. Each event helps students build at-home libraries with books they choose.
This milestone reflects the shared commitment of educators, volunteers, donors, and community partners working together to strengthen early literacy and student success.
As Dallas ISD Trustee Sarah Weinberg recently noted, “Dallas ISD library checkouts are soaring as students reconnect with reading.” That momentum is driven by coordinated efforts across the district, including refreshed campus libraries, dedicated librarians, cell phone-free classrooms, book vending machines, and literacy initiatives like United to Learn’s Book Bashes.
What Is a Book Bash?
A Book Bash is an on-campus literacy celebration that brings free, high-quality books directly to elementary schools. Each event includes:
- A fun, themed environment
- Student choice in book selection
- Books that reflect diverse interests and identities
- Snacks
Book Bashes are designed to strengthen reading habits, build confidence, and create positive associations with literacy that extend beyond the classroom.
Celebrating 100 Events and Looking Ahead
The 100th Book Bash also marks forward momentum. This celebration is one of 22 Book Bashes planned for the 2025–2026 school year, underscoring United to Learn’s continued investment in literacy and alignment with Dallas ISD’s goals to improve early reading outcomes and cultivate lifelong learners.
Launched in 2021 by United to Learn’s Director of Literacy, Marisol Rodriguez, the program has grown in scale while remaining grounded in its original purpose.
“While Book Bashes have gotten bigger and more fun, the vision has remained true,” shared Rodriguez. “Our goal has always been to help students build at-home libraries and a love of reading, two important elements to building reading skills on their literacy journey.”
Inspiring Readers and Creators
Special guests Brad Davidson and Rachel Más Davidson view storytelling as a way to help students see themselves not only as readers, but also as creators. Their participation highlights the importance of imagination, representation, and creativity in building strong literacy foundations.
A Milestone Moment at Hexter Elementary
Hosting the 100th Book Bash at Victor H. Hexter Elementary coincided with the campus’s second week in its new school building. Celebrating literacy during this moment reflects a shared belief that welcoming environments, meaningful relationships, and access to books are essential to student growth.
Special Thanks
The generous support of the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust helps make possible United to Learn’s Book Bash program, which brings free books and a love of reading to thousands of students across Dallas.
Get Involved
United to Learn looks forward to continuing this work, bringing books, joy, and opportunity to campuses across Dallas ISD.
Want to be part of an upcoming Book Bash?
Explore our volunteer calendar to view opportunities by date or list and sign up in just a few clicks.
