{"id":5365,"date":"2025-04-14T18:15:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T18:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newworldsreading.com\/?p=5365"},"modified":"2026-03-10T16:11:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T16:11:01","slug":"books-and-buccaneers-book-bash-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newworldsreading.com\/ht\/books-and-buccaneers-book-bash-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Books and Buccaneers: Families Chart their Course Towards Literacy at New Worlds Reading 2025 Book Bash"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe loved all the activities and following the treasure map,\u201d<\/strong> said Cameron Dennison, a Tampa-area caregiver. \u201cIt was great to see my kiddo show off his reading skills and talk to the community partners about literacy.\u201d
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Attendance at this year\u2019s Book Bash nearly doubled from previous years, thanks to New Worlds Reading\u2019s growing community connection. Since 2021, the program has reached over 450,000 total children around the state, including 71,000 children in Hillsborough County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cNew Worlds Reading wants to do more than give books to students \u2014 we want to create experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning,\u201d<\/strong> said Robin Gregory, Interim Assistant Director of New Worlds Reading at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. \u201cOur annual Book Bash is always an exciting event, bringing families together to explore the joy of reading and emphasize the importance of literacy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong><\/a> for updates!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Led by a map marked with reading quests through Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, over 1,800 children and adults embarked 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