The Reading Tub is yet another example of how nurturing a small idea can lead to big things. A simple comment from my sister-in-law about helping parents pick out books for their kids generated an idea for a website. That was June 2003. Within a few weeks, two other families in Northern Virginia added their thoughts, too.

Now, in 2010 we are a cadre of families, grandparents, teachers, students, and librarians all over the United States. Each of us believes so passionately about literacy that we volunteer our time to create the next generation of readers and break the cycle of illiteracy.

One fact drives us: Study after study tells us that the single most important determinant for becoming a successful reader is the amount of reading material at home.

Not convinced? Then take a minute to read about just how important reading is to our success as individuals.

By 2013, we want the the Reading Tub to be a first-stop for people who want to help kids reach their full potential and become successful readers.

The Reading Tub collects and distributes books to at-risk readers, whether it is a child with no books at home or a teacher building a classroom library for her struggling students. Donations fund this work, and 100% of the money we receive goes to providing literacy information and shipping books.

So how are we doing? In just six years, we have produced in-depth profiles of more than 1,600 books for families. Our audience is children from infant to 13.

Our reviews are designed to help adults match kids with just the right book by offering more than just a summary. Books can be searched by reader type (advanced, dormant/reluctant, remedial, middle grade), reading level (we use Flesch-Kincaid readability standards), subject, and of course title and author.

Our Use Your ABCs classroom initiative continues to grow, with the number of applications from Title I schools increasing each year.

We continue to expand our network of like-minded people by sponsoring the annual Share a Story Blog Tour for Literacy and through our blog.

But there is still more to do! Launching Read it Together, our program for pediatric literacy, still sits on the drawing board.

The same can be said for our interactive portal that will help parents better understand the components of being a successful reader. We have taken the first step by creating a Reading and Literacy Wiki, but we want to do more.

We are always interested in expanding our family, and we hope you'll consider jumping in the Tub. If you are interested in being a literacy volunteer, just send us an Email.

No time to volunteer? Then maybe being a registered reader is for you. Follow our blog and we'll keep you up-to-date on new books, great reviews, articles on literacy, and more. And we promise: We won't fill your Inbox with stuff.