Black Hills Reads helps to ensure children are proficient readers by the end of third grade.
Learn more about our various programs below.
Sign me up for updates. Sign up now
Learn more about our various programs below.
Each year, Black Hills Reads hosts a statewide 'Race to Read Challenge' in which readers across the state accumulate ‘miles’ for every book they read. These miles are then used to determine how far our figurative book mobile travels as we ‘race’ around the state! The goal with this challenge is to get kids and adults alike excited about reading. As such, any school, community organization, business, individual, or family in SD are welcome to participate!
For more information about this year's challenge, visit our Race to Read Challenge page.
Each year, Black Hills Reads partners with the SD Humanities Council and other local organizations to bring students across the Black Hills the selected 'Young Readers One Book' (YROB) for the current year.
Teacher/parent supplemental materials are provided along with fun Black Hills Reads swag for the students. There is also an opportunity for students to meet the author of current year's book in person or via live stream during the annual Festival of Books.
For more information about this year's events, visit our Young Readers One Book page
Each year, Black Hills Reads hosts a writing contest for all third graders in the Black Hills. During the 2022 contest, every 3rd grader who entered received a free ticket to a Rush game. Plus, each category winner won a special visit from Nugget at school, and a family pass to a Rush game. Writers submitted short stories or poems based on themes from this year's Young Readers One Book. Stay tuned for details about the 2023 contest.