When people hear “Learning Ally,” they might first think of audiobooks. And yes—our human-read audiobooks are an essential part of what we do. But the truth is, we are so much more than that.
At Learning Ally, we believe reading is not just a skill, it’s a journey. A journey that needs motivation, encouragement, community, and celebration at every step. That’s why we’ve built a full year of motivational reading programs designed to engage students, support educators, and bring families along for the ride. Together, we’re helping create confident, enthusiastic readers.
Reading is a Journey—Let’s Make It a Memorable One
We don’t just offer tools, we offer transformation. Our reading programs are built to keep students engaged all year long, through every season, challenge, and victory. Here’s how:
- Empowering Educators: We provide teachers with grade-level resources, curated book lists, and reflection activities that deepen student engagement and support meaningful reading experiences.
- Motivating Students: Through incentives, prizes, and friendly competition, we spark students’ excitement and help build lasting reading habits.
- Engaging Families: With tools that bring reading beyond the classroom, we empower families to support literacy at home and make reading a joyful, shared experience.
It All Starts with the Race to Read – Running Now Through October 31!
The school year kicks off with Race to Read, our nationwide, high-energy reading challenge running from August 25 to October 31, 2025. This program is all about building momentum early—getting students into strong reading routines from day one.
With no registration required, curated book lists, fun class activities, and even a chance to win prizes, Race to Read is an easy way for teachers to jumpstart literacy in their classrooms and see real excitement around reading. Schools with 10% or more of their enrolled students reading in the Audiobook Solution by October 31, 2025 will be entered into a drawing to win one of 75 class sets of earbuds—perfect for fueling future reading experiences.
We know that no race is won alone. That’s why this program is built around teamwork, encouragement, and celebrating every student’s progress. Whether you’re in the classroom or learning at home, it’s time to press play on a year of reading.
Educators nationwide are seeing how Race to Read motivates their students. Here’s what one Texas educator had to say:
“I was inspired to join Learning Ally’s Race to Read competition because I love the idea of combining reading with a sense of friendly competition. I believe reading can be a powerful way to grow, discover new ideas, and improve literacy skills. The Race to Read competition offers a fun way to encourage reading in my community and make it part of a shared goal. I’m excited to help others discover the joy of reading and build a habit that will benefit them for a lifetime.”
A Year-Round Literacy Adventure
Race to Read is just the beginning. Here’s a sneak peek at what else is ahead:
🍂 Fall into Literacy
As the weather cools, we keep the momentum going with autumn-themed reading challenges and cozy book lists that make learning feel like a seasonal celebration.
🕹️ Great Reading Games
Ignite the competitive spirit with schoolwide reading challenges, where students earn points for reading duration and quantity while competing in grade-banded brackets for ultimate glory.
🌸 Spring into Reading
Let’s spring forward! Grow the reading gains through special events like Read Across America Week, March Madness reading challenges, and National Poetry Month activities.
☀️ Summer Reading Together
Prevent the summer slide and keep the learning fun with exciting summer reading challenges, hand-picked books, and the chance to win awesome prizes!
Why Are Reading Programs Important for Student Motivation and Success?
We know audiobooks alone aren’t the solution. Motivation and purpose are the missing pieces. K-12 readers thrive when they’re given choice, can see their growth, and are celebrated for their effort every step of the way. Educators tell us that our programs work because they wrap students in a culture of literacy that’s energizing, inclusive, and joyful.
When students want to read, everything changes. Confidence grows. Curiosity deepens. And most importantly, they begin to see themselves as readers in the classroom and beyond.
Are You Ready to Race?
Let’s kick off the school year with purpose, passion, and the power of reading. Because with Learning Ally, it’s never just about audiobooks, it’s about building a better future, one page at a time.
🗓️ Mark your calendar: Race to Read runs August 25 – October 31, 2025
🌐 Get started: No registration needed—just log in, explore the book lists, and start reading!
🎉 Celebrate: Share your students’ wins, join the community, and be part of a nationwide movement to create motivated, lifelong readers.
📚 Learn more and get ready to Race to Read.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find information on Race to Read?
A: All the materials and information can be found here.
Q: What are the dates of the program?
A: Race to Read is the Learning Ally reading program and runs from August 25 – October 31, 2025.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Any school or educator with access to Learning Ally’s Audiobook Solution can participate—no sign-up or extra steps required.
Q: Is there an extra cost or registration process?
A: Nope! The program is completely free and doesn’t require any registration. Just get your eligible students into the Audiobook Solution, start exploring the resources, encourage reading, and track and celebrate their progress.
Q: What kind of materials are included?
A: You’ll get grade-banded book lists, easy-to-use classroom or at-home activities, and reading games to make the experience fun and engaging. All materials can be found on the landing page, split up by grade band.
Q: What’s new this year from last year’s Race to Read?
A: In addition to grade-banded book lists and activities, we are back with some new tools to drive motivation and connection around reading at both school and home. We have a Race to Read Pit Crew Reading Rally Game, an Individual Student Progress Tracker, and even a “Reading Grand Prix” Bulletin Board Kit to kickstart your reading adventure this school year. Having fun with the games, bulletin boards, and activities? Share with us on social using #GRG25
Q: What do we need to do to be eligible for the prize?
A: Schools with at least 10% of students reading completed in the Audiobook Solution (ABS) during the challenge window will be entered to win a class set of earbuds.
Q: How do we know how many students we need schoolwide to win?
A: To make this step easier, we’ve added a search feature on the landing page. Just enter your school name, and it will show you exactly how many students need to participate to qualify for a win. The number listed as a target is your 10%.
Q: How do we track progress?
A: Reading progress is tracked directly through the Audiobook Solution platform. Students can also track their reading milestones, helping them stay motivated and engaged along the way. See the Race to Read Individual Student Race Track Progress Tracker.
Q: How will I know if I have won a class set of earbuds?
A: Schools that have at least 10% of students reading will be sent an acknowledgement form after October 31, 2025. Seventy-five schools will be selected at random from those who complete the Winner Acknowledgment form to receive a class set of 30 earbuds. Prizes will be shipped no later than December 1, 2025 to receive before the winter break.
Q: Learning Ally has reading programs? I thought it was just audiobooks?
A: Learning Ally offers more than just audiobooks—we provide a year-round journey of reading, engagement, and motivation! From racing into the school year to celebrating end-of-year achievements, they all flow together to create a year of reading success and fun for students, educators, and families!
Q: What other reading programs or incentives does Learning Ally offer to our teachers and students? Is Race to Read the only one?
A: Great question! In addition to Race to Read, Learning Ally offers several other reading programs and incentives throughout the year to keep students motivated and engaged. The next program after Race to Read is Fall into Literacy. Program Dates: November 1 – 30, 2025. Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with our newest reading program! Access curated book lists, seasonal reading activities, and fun challenges that keep students, educators, and families engaged in the spirit of the season.