Barbershop Books

Mission

We envision a future where all children identify as readers and enjoy learning.
Our mission is to inspire Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content.

The Challenge
Today, more than 82% of Black male 4th grade students in the U.S. are not proficient in reading. Low reading achievement among Black boys today will produce Black men who are ill-prepared to compete in the workforce of tomorrow.

Relevant Content and Effective Instruction

The early literacy content, experiences, and instruction to which many Black boys have access do not reflect their reading preferences, individual learning needs, or Science of Reading (SOR) best practices.

Relevant Reading Role Models

Around 70% of public school elementary teachers in the U.S are white and a majority of Black boys are raised by single mothers. A lack of Black male reading role models in school and at home contributes to decreased reading motivation and has led many Black boys not to identify as readers.

Collectively, these and other challenges build barriers to reading success for Black boys.

Organization Information