Led by a map marked with reading quests through Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, over 1,800 children and adults embarked on a free, pirate-themed literacy adventure at New Worlds Reading’s 2025 Book Bash. On Saturday, April 5, Tampa families engaged with interactive read-alouds in English and Spanish, face painting and Clifford the Big Red Dog for family fun and photos. At the end of the event, each child sailed home with a trove of new memories, free books and other fun giveaways.
“We loved all the activities and following the treasure map,” said Cameron Dennison, a Tampa-area caregiver. “It was great to see my kiddo show off his reading skills and talk to the community partners about literacy.”
Attendance at this year’s Book Bash nearly doubled from previous years, thanks to New Worlds Reading’s growing community connection. Since 2021, the program has reached over 450,000 total children around the state, including 71,000 children in Hillsborough County.
Administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, New Worlds Reading aims to serve nearly one million children across Florida not yet reading on grade level. Each enrolled child receives nine free books per school year and personalized reading activity packages. Books are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Braille to support diverse literacy needs.
“New Worlds Reading wants to do more than give books to students — we want to create experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning,” said Robin Gregory, Interim Assistant Director of New Worlds Reading at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. “Our annual Book Bash is always an exciting event, bringing families together to explore the joy of reading and emphasize the importance of literacy.”
Book Bash is an annual event reaching a different region of Florida each year. Plans are already underway for the 2026 Book Bash. Stay connected on social media for updates!
About New Worlds Reading:
New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home program that helps eligible VPK – 5th graders strengthen literacy skills and spark a lifelong love of reading. Enrolled children receive nine free books that they choose each school year through fifth grade, along with reading activities and resources families can use to help build kids’ reading skills. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. New Worlds Reading is administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Scholastic.
Families interested in receiving books and reading activities from New Worlds Reading can apply at www.newworldsreading.com.
Florida companies interested in earning dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to support the state’s young readers can learn more at https://www.newworldsreading.com/en/donations/.