States Read One Book has kicked off in Texas and Mississippi, and is set to launch in Virginia schools next week. We’re also pleased to welcome our One Book Connects US (OBC-US) participants, too! OBC-US is a nationwide program with dozens of schools across the states participating this spring. When the Read to Them team set out to launch the 2026 OBC-US program – and as we continue to hone our States Read programs- we wanted to be very intentional and wished to lean into the program’s connection element. We are so thrilled to offer a brand new, digital element to the program, the Beyond-the-Book Nook!
This resource, exclusive to States Read and OBC-US participants, is meant to serve as an additional element for students and families, but also includes elements to connect educators across the country, too. You can find the direct link to the Beyond-the-Book Nook on your Resource Page under the “During Your Read: At Home Resources” once you log into the Client Portal.
We wanted to take the time to walk you through this platform, and make sure you’re aware of what’s available for your students and families. Let’s dive in!
15 Days of Fun Activities
The bulk of the Beyond-the-Book Nook consists of 15 family activities that coincide with each day of your States Read and OBC-US reading program.
For instance, to kick off the program, we have provided an interactive map for families to pin where they’re reading from. (Of course, families are advised not to provide their exact address or any other identifying information. This map is closely monitored and moderated by Read to Them staff.) It has been so fun to see pins populate the map, and we cannot wait to see what the map looks like once more schools launch their program!
There are further opportunities for interactions, including a visit to the Zuckerman farm and the fair that is featured in the back half of Charlotte’s Web. Each piece of text (see image at right, and below) is a clickable link that redirects to an activity. On the farm, families can view different farm animal fun facts, vote for their favorite farm quote from the book, and participate in a nature activity. Families, by clicking Charlotte’s Lullaby, will also be treated to two exclusive interpretations of Charlotte’s lullaby to Wilbur created by the husband of a Read to Them’s staff member. (Thank you for creating such wonderful pieces, David!)
At the fair, families are treated to even more at-home fun. They can view recipes to create their own popcorn (three kinds!), how-tos to create their very own carnival games, and dive into fun facts about spiders, Ferris wheels, and world record produce.
Don’t worry: we didn’t forget about the Financial Literacy element within Charlotte’s Web. The Day 2 activity guides families through creating their very own piggy bank. Families, once they’ve made their bank, are encouraged to pick something to save for and are provided the scaffolding to make a plan and set a goal to make this saving dream a reality.
Educator Discussion Forum
A platform of this kind has been a request we’ve wished to fulfill for many years. With the Educator Discussion Forum, educators who are all participating in State Reads and OBC-US 2026 have the opportunity to share photos of their events with each other. We understand that, with each program, there are often educators who are participating and planning their school-wide read for the first time – just as often as program “veterans” are stepping up for another year with us. We wanted to create an opportunity for folks of all experience levels to share advice for program kick-off and any kind of fresh ideas that you’ve incorporated in your own school. There’s also a Book Reactions section to share anecdotes and discuss chapters of Charlotte’s Web, along with a link to our yearly Educator Survey to let us know how you enjoyed the program.
You can find the link to the Educator Discussion Forum on your Resource Page under the “During Your Read: Classroom Resources” once you log into the Client Portal.
Which of these resources are you most excited to share with your families? Let us know in the comments below. Happy reading!
