Unified Young Readers is a flexible literacy initiative designed to bring people together through stories that celebrate acceptance, empathy, and inclusion. Through weekly book selections and accompanying discussion materials, the program empowers readers of all ages and abilities to connect, reflect, and learn in meaningful ways.
While we offer implementation suggestions to support success within a Unified Champion School, participation in Unified Young Readers is not limited to UCS- or SONJ‑affiliated programs or individuals. Anyone is welcome to join!
The selected books and accompanying lessons are engaging, age‑flexible, and adaptable to a wide range of settings—including classrooms, community spaces, and even at home—making this initiative accessible and meaningful for all learners.
Each week, the UCS team will highlight one book that reinforces inclusion and social-emotional learning. Book selections will be emailed and posted on the UCS website. Registered participants will receive:
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- A book title and description
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- Guided discussion questions
Participants may access each book by:
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- Borrowing from a school or public library
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- Using the supplied read‑aloud video
There is no required participation schedule. You’re encouraged to adapt materials, add your own ideas, and tailor activities to best suit your community. We’ll make the schedule of books available ahead of time so you can plan in advance.
This initiative is intentionally flexible and can be used in:
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- Classroom read‑alouds or literacy blocks
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- Morning meetings or advisory periods
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- SEL or character education lessons
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- Peer mentorship or buddy programs
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- Cross‑grade reading partnerships
Program Lead (Teacher, Advisor, Librarian, or Staff Member)
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- Determines when and how each book is shared
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- Selects facilitators or invites individuals to support the sessions
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- Oversees implementation and ensures activities are accessible for all students
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- Reports participation numbers monthly to the SONJ or provides this data to the school’s UCS liaison to include in the monthly report
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- Communicates with UCS staff as needed
Facilitators (Staff, Students in Unified Pairs, or Special Guests)
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- Read the book aloud (or use the video link)
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- Lead discussions with guiding questions
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- Support activities in an inclusive, welcoming environment
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- Encourage participation from all students
Facilitation is a meaningful leadership opportunity for Unified Pairs, supported and supervised by adults.
To participate in Unified Young Readers as an individual, school, or a family:
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- Register here. (Registration simply ensures you receive weekly book selections via email. Participation is flexible!)
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- Check out each week's book selection - either by email or by visiting this page - and participate in the discussions and activities that feel most meaningful and manageable for you.
If you're participating as a school:
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- Please include Unified Young Readers participation in your monthly reports. A new reporting section will be added specifically for this initiative.
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- Schools that actively engage on a weekly basis may be eligible for complimentary book copies throughout the year.
Books and accompanying discussion questions and activities will be released every Monday. So that you can plan ahead, here's what's coming up:
- June 8: And Two Boys Booed by Judith Viorst
- June 15: No Such Thing As Normal by Mega Dejarnett
- June 22: Brilliant Bea by Shaina Rudolph
- June 29: What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair? by Norene Paulson
We’re excited to partner with you in bringing Unified Young Readers to life, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at UCS@SONJ.org with questions.
Our thanks to the SOSC team for originally envisioning this initiative!
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