MADISON, Wis. (Feb. 11, 2025) – Daisie Mathais was at a Every Child is Ready to Read meeting in December 2024 when she heard Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Medical Director Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, and Executive Director DeDe Williams lead a talk on Reach Out and Read.
After the meeting, Mathais, a single mother of three, headed straight to Williams to explain what an impact the Reach Out and Read program has had on her 11-year-old daughter, Addie.
Fast forward two months and Mathais and Addie were telling that impactful story to Wisconsin legislators at the State Capitol for a briefing session on Reach Out and Read.
“I am here at the State Capitol because I believe in the importance of Reach Out and Read and the importance of reading.” – Addie
Watch Addie’s speech at the Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Briefing Session below.
Enjoy this Q&A with both Addie and Daisie
Addie Knedle:
Why did you like Reach Out and Read? It introduced me to new books that were right for me. My mom and I would always read my new book together right away.
What was your favorite part of the Reach Out and Read program? It helped me realize how much I loved reading.
What did you learn from Reach Out and Read? It taught me the importance of reading.
Could you tell us two or three of your favorite books? Warrior Series by Erin Hunter, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Escape by K.R. Alexander, (Favorite Childhood Book) Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems.
Could you tell me about the school newspaper and what part Reach Out and Read played in you wanting to start that? It’s a 5th grade weekly newsletter that started with two girls and we recruited two additional girls to join us. I designed the layout in Canva, and all the girls contributed to the content of it. There are quotes, jokes, upcoming school events, student and teacher of the week, word (and meaning) of the week, and mascots. Reach Out and Read impacted me by increasing my vocabulary, developing my creativity, and strengthening my love for reading and writing.
Daisie Mathais:
How have you seen Reach Out and Read impact Addie? It has contributed to Addie’s love for reading and learning as well as strengthening her vocabulary and reading skills. (Currently reading at a 11th/12th grade level)
How did it feel, as a parent, to see Addie want to speak on the importance of Reach Out and Read and early literacy at the briefing session? This is a very proud moment for me as I’ve always been a huge supporter of advocacy and having my daughter join with me in this is quite an honor.
How has reading/reading together impacted your relationship with Addie? I’ve always enjoyed reading with Addie. Reading together has allowed me to see her growth over the years. Reading before bed had always been part of our nightly routine and I feel that strengthened our bond.
Here are a few photos from the briefing session.
