Reading can take you anywhere—other worlds, back in time, into the minds of people whose lives are nothing like your own... It’s not just about turning pages; it’s about expanding the way you see yourself and the world around you.

Roald Dahl described it well in Matilda: “The books transported [Matilda] into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives... She traveled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

That’s the beauty of reading: it’s both escape and exploration. It can fuel your imagination, strengthen your voice, sharpen your thinking, and even prepare you for your future.

The Otters Read program is your chance to turn reading into something bigger. Along the way, you’ll discover books that matter to you, celebrate your accomplishments as a reader, and share your discoveries with others. And when you’ve completed the journey, you’ll be honored with a Literacy Cord at graduation — recognition of the commitment, curiosity, and lifelong learning you’ve built through books.