It started as a conversation between friends.
While volunteering as physicians in refugee camps along the U.S.–Mexico border, we met countless parents worried about their children's health, safety, and future. They spoke of food insecurity, chronic stress, exposure to violence, and limited access to education. Again and again, they shared the same fear: without school, books, and the routines of childhood, their children were falling behind.
Those conversations inspired the creation of Rise Up & Read — a nonprofit dedicated to bringing books, literacy, and hope to children on the move. By creating welcoming libraries, supporting shared reading, and expanding access to multilingual books, we help children rediscover the joy of learning while building the literacy skills and resilience they need to thrive.
The people behind the books
Susanna Block, MD, MPH
Pediatric hospitalist in Seattle and longtime refugee-health advocate, with clinical work both internationally and in the United States. Founded Rise Up & Read after volunteering along the migrant trail.
Rachael Merola, PhD
Has worked in education across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Visiting Research Professor at CIDE in Mexico City and founder of Ascent Education.
Robyn Becker, SLP.D., CCC/SLP
Assistant professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Montclair State University, with nearly thirty years of practice. Researches literacy-supported language development.
Kimberly Perkins, PhD
International airline pilot and human-performance researcher. Founder of the nonprofit Aviation for Humanity, which delivers school supplies to shelters and schools worldwide.
Jonathan Scheffer, MD
Practices emergency medicine in downtown Seattle. Refugee-health advocate with experience at MSF, Global Response Management, and the Indian Health Service.
Want to be part of the work?
We are always looking for partners, volunteers, and supporters.