Episode 1: Reading is a Family Affair, Brilliant Together Podcast, featuring Raising a Reader and Little Free Library.   

03.28.2024 Announcement

RAR’s CEO Michelle Torgerson and Lexie Neeley of Little Free Library joined a conversation hosted by Cassie Williams, Executive Director of K-12 Literacy for Detroit Public Schools for the first episode of the Brilliant Togeter Podcast! The episode dives deep into the impact reading has on strengthening family bonds and developing empathy and critical thinking skills.   

As highlighted by Torgerson, through exposure to diverse titles, characters, and perspectives, children gain empathy, expand their language abilities, and learn to express themselves.   

She also provided tips on how to engage in family-shared reading, such as   

reading aloud together, identifying books that inspire and excite children, creating habits that support a reading routine, and providing access to books through resources in the community.   

Raising a Reader is a longtime supporter of Brilliant Detroit and couldn’t be prouder to be featured on the Brilliant Together Podcast debut season. RAR is honored to contribute to this important conversation and to join a community of champions for children and families.  

Listen here. The podcast is also available on Apple and Spotify.  

Related Posts

03.09.2026 From the CEO

Partner Spotlight: Barefoot Books

Creating Access to high quality stories, and joy for all!  At Raising a Reader, we believe every family deserves joyful, inclusive, and high-quality reading experiences at home. Our partners play a critical role in making that vision real, and Barefoot Books is a shining example. Known for elevating diverse voices and global stories, Barefoot Books creates beautifully designed children’s books that spark curiosity, ...

Read More

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Summer (Really)

If summer planning isn’t on your radar yet, you’re not behind—you’re right on time. The best summer learning programs don’t come together in June. They’re built early, when teams still have breathing room to align staffing, outreach, materials, and family engagement plans. That’s exactly why now is the best time to start. Visit the SSLA page for upcoming webinar info and ...

Read More