Beginning today through Friday, March 7, students can sign up for the WrestleMania Reading Challenge at WWEReadingSuperstar.com.
Through WWE’s expanded partnership with Pearson Foundation’s digital
reading initiative, We Give Books, and YALSA, children between the ages
of 4-12 can select a WWE Superstar Reading Buddy and read digital books
to participate, while teens ages 13-18 can
select a WWE Superstar Pen Pal, read a book and write an essay.
WWE
will make a financial contribution to We Give Books and YALSA in order
to support literacy initiatives and provide access to books for children
across the United States.
WWE and its Superstars will also continue
to host reading celebrations, visiting kids at local schools and
libraries to stress the importance of reading. The celebrations will
include special visits from the We Give
Books ReadMobile. We Give Books is a digital initiative created
by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation to equip families,
classrooms and libraries with print and online books for children.
Additionally,
WWE will utilize all of its platforms, including TV broadcasts, live
events, digital and social media to encourage children to read at
school, at home, in their
local library or wherever they’re inspired to read.
“Encouraging
a lifelong love of reading is at the heart of the We Give Books
initiative,” said Pearson Foundation President and CEO Mark Nieker.
“Through this important partnership
with WWE and YALSA, we are looking to reach more children and their
families this year with the message of reading, giving and sharing.”
“It’s a sobering fact that nearly
40
percent of high school graduates are not proficient in traditional
literacy skills,” said YALSA President Shannon Peterson. “Together WWE,
Pearson and YALSA can
make strides towards alleviating this societal problem and building
brighter futures for our nation’s youth.”
“WWE
is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to literacy
initiatives through our partnership with We Give Books and YALSA,” said
Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer,
WWE. “Children are more digitally connected today than ever before and
the WrestleMania Reading Challenge provides them with a unique
opportunity to read books both online and in the library.”
Studies
show that nothing is more important to a child’s overall success than
reading at grade level by third grade. Developing early literacy skills
sets a child up for success
in school and life.
For more information or to participate in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge, visit WWEReadingSuperstar.com.