Action News Jax Anchor Tenikka Hughes is one of many people in our community working to empower children through literacy.
With that in mind, Tenikka served as executive producer and host of a 30-minute special called, “Raising Readers.” It highlights literacy resources to support children and families and aims to inspire children to become lifelong readers.
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You can watch the special in the video box above and find a list of the many resources featured in “Raising Readers” below.
FAST FACTS ABOUT LITERACY IN FLORIDA
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2024, just 62% of Florida fourth graders are at the Basic reading level, meaning they can interpret the meaning of what they read.
Just 33% of Florida fourth graders are Proficient, meaning they can not only interpret what they read but can also draw conclusions and make evaluations. Those numbers have been consistent over time. That’s why work is underway to help children get on track and thrive.
RAISING READERS: LITERACY RESOURCES, PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers Challenge: https://www.jacksonville.gov/rivercityreaders
Duval County Public Schools (UFLI Foundations Literacy Curriculum): https://www.teamduval.org/2023/06/13/with-a-focus-on-phonics-new-literacy-program-is-rooted-in-science-of-reading/
READ USA Literacy Tutoring Program: https://www.readusainc.com/literacy-tutoring-program
Kids Hope Alliance: https://www.kidshopealliance.org/
READ JAX: https://readjax.org/
First Coast YMCA: https://fcymca.org/programs/child-care/ymca-reads/
New Worlds Reading Initiative: https://www.newworldsreading.com/en/
Communities in Schools (Duval Reads): https://cisjax.org/student-support-services-and-programs/#literacy
Jaguars Literacy Locker Room: https://www.jaguars.com/photos/k000086-literacy-locker-room-jaxson-s-version-presented-by-jea#22b483bc-1d10-44f3-a918-7facf2103d1d
Jaguars’ Mascot Jaxson de Ville’s Book: https://www.jaguars.com/news/k000055-jaguars-mascot-jaxson-de-ville-debuts-new-children-s-book-jaxson-s-big-jump
Da Million Dollar Voice Academy: https://www.facebook.com/people/Da-Million-Dollar-Voice-Academy/100093431023255/?_rdr
Jacksonville Library Programs & Events for Kids: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/kids
Jacksonville Library’s Read to a Therapy Dog: https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/events?term=dog&r=range&start=2025-03-19&end=2025-12-31
JaxKids Book Club: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/jaxkids-book-club
Library Foundation of Jacksonville: https://www.lfjax.org/
Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pawsitive Reading Program: https://jaxhumane.org/get-involved/education/pawsitive-reading/
Tenikka’s Books for Kids: https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/tenikkas-books-kids-is-back-year-8/CDAEKY54LNEHDEJCASWQACE4H4/
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