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Expand Your Mind
Feed Your Imagination
Learn Your History
2026 Reading Roots Summer Literacy Program
The Reading Roots Summer Literacy Program, founded by Marjorie C. McIver and a host of educators and community leaders, is designed to teach participants about African-American history, the arts, and culture through literary explorations each summer. This initiative connects young readers to the contributions of individuals rooted in the Gullah Geechee community.
World Community Magazine is a proud partner of this summer literacy program.
From the Middle Passage to "Coming to America": Our Rich African History
For the past several years, we have selected 1-2 books, one written for new and emerging readers, and the other for advanced readers on the upper elementary, middle and high school levels. This year, we have selected a variety of books to offer more information and exposure through the sharing of research and final projects with other participants; thus increasing their knowledge base and awareness of their rich heritage and culture. These books should be part of every household library.
The books have been selected and assigned to participants based on their age and developmental levels, abilities, and interests areas. The books are connected in that they all represent periods of time in our rich African history that reflect our early beginnings, a middle passage, and “Coming to America” experiences, which were omitted from the history we were taught in our schools. Today, we still witness elements of our past history entwined, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, in plain sight, into the fabric of our lives today.
Participant Requirements
Who Can Participate?
Open to Youth Ages 6—18
You must register through this website to reserve your seat in the summer program (required).
What Will We Do?
Participants will read and discuss the books with family & mentors and complete a reading-based project, which must include spoken, written, and digital components.
How Long is the Program?
The program runs June until August. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and a monetary award for their commitment to literacy enrichment.
Thank you for your interest in the
2026 Reading Roots Summer Literacy Program.
We are excited to introduce the books for this year's program.
This list is comprised of local and nationally known authors.
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Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (A book about NASA's mathematical geniuses)
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Carry On by John Lewis - (A book about wisdom and encouragement for the Next Generation)
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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson (From Africa to the New World)
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What Will I Be When I Grow Up:The Adventures of MJ by Winston D. McIver, Jr., MD (Career Focus)
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The Community Helper: Book 2 of the Adventures of MJ by Winston D. McIver, Jr., MD
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The Unbreakable Book: A Kid's Guide to Resilience and Hope for a Better Tomorrow by Da'Nall Wilmer
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A Bright Side by Cassandra Chestnut Campbell (A book about the life of local community leader, Rev. Lonnie B. Chestnut, Sr.)
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The program is limited to 20 participants this year.
Registrations are confirmed on a first-come, first served basis.
You will be contacted by Marjorie McIver to confirm your registration.
