Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day Reached More Than 14,000 Students

March 21, 2025 | Sarasota

On March 11, Embracing Our Differences’ annual Reading Day reached 14,013 pre-K through third-grade students from 100 elementary schools and early learning centers in Manatee and Sarasota counties for a day of storytelling, connection, and shared values. This year, 727 classrooms participated in the event, with students receiving a total of 14,740 books—an unprecedented milestone in the program’s history. For 11 years, Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day has inspired thousands of young readers through this initiative, fostering meaningful conversations about inclusion, kindness, and respect.

The program’s reach is made possible through a strong partnership with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, sponsored by The Patterson Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and a private family foundation, with additional support from Manatee Community Foundation and United Way Suncoast. Since its inception, EOD’s Reading Day has earned national recognition, including being named a “Best Event” by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at its All-America City Awards Ceremony in 2016.

According to Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD’s vice president of learning and engagement, Reading Day’s impact extends far beyond the event itself: “Books are powerful tools that allow children to see themselves and others in new and meaningful ways,” says Jackson. “By providing students with diverse stories, we encourage them to embrace both what makes us unique and what connects us all. The opportunity to share these stories with thousands of young minds is truly transformative.”

This year’s event featured in-person readings in classrooms by community volunteers and high school students from Booker and Venice high schools. Additional read-alongs were conducted via pre-recorded webisodes featuring local teaching artists and community leaders from organizations, including Justin Gomlak, director of education at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; Dr. Brandon Johnson, the Sarasota County School district’s chief of middle schools; Terrance Jackson and Yvette Kojic, with the Asolo Rep’ theater education department; and Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, a visual and performance arts specialist. In addition, Karim Manning, Monessa Salley, Connie Cuadrado, Maria Schaedler Luera, Liz Pascoe and Travis Ray served as webisode teaching artists

Each student received a book carefully selected to inspire conversations about self-esteem and resilience. This year’s featured titles included:

Pre-Kindergarten & Early Learning Centers: “Mixed: A Colorful Story” by Arree Chung is a vibrant tale about embracing differences and unity.

Kindergarten: “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo is a lyrical ode to self-love, kindness, and respect.

First Grade: “Mango, Abuela and Me” by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez is a heartwarming story of family, language, and love.

Second Grade: “I Promise” by LeBron James and illustrated by Nina Mata is an inspiring book about striving for greatness.

Third Grade: “Imani’s Moon” by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Hazel Mitchell is a folkloric tale of confidence and determination.

Reading Day books meet Florida Department of Education criteria and have been reviewed and approved by certified media specialists from Sarasota County Schools and the School District of Manatee County.

For 22 years, Embracing Our Differences has drawn on the passion and perception of artists, students, writers, and others to create powerful statements of respect, kindness and acceptance in its annual outdoor public art exhibition consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotes. The scale and impact of this outdoor exhibition has continued to grow, attracting more than 4.8 million visitors since its inception in 2004. The exhibition is the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote inclusion. Embracing Our Differences’ 2025 exhibitions run through April 13, in Bayfront Park, Sarasota; and through March 31, in Poynter Park, St. Petersburg. “Embracing Our Community: A Celebration of Kindness,” a free event, takes place on Sunday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m., at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park.

For more information about Embracing Our Differences and its education initiatives, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.