Join Us for Cherry Creek Reads 2026: “Read Together, Shine Together!”
The Cherry Creek School District is excited to celebrate the joy of reading with Cherry Creek Reads 2026, happening from March 9-13. This year’s theme, “Read Together, Shine Together," invites students, staff, and families to celebrate the power of books and the joy of reading together.
This year's featured book is All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson with illustrations by Winona Nelson, a children’s book about belonging, identity, and community. Through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, it reminds readers that each person has a special place in the world, just like every star in the sky. The story encourages children to see their own light, recognize the strength of their community, and understand that we all shine brighter together.
Reading – whether for pleasure, or for a purpose, like school or work – has many benefits. It’s no surprise that reading increases comprehension and vocabulary. In fact, children learn 4,000 to 12,000 new words every year through reading. Research has also shown that reading can increase empathy, ease depression, reduce stress, and improve sleep!
During Cherry Creek Reads 2026, all students, staff, and families are encouraged to read for 75 minutes or more throughout the week since the district is celebrating its 75th anniversary. This represents one minute for every year the district has been open and symbolizes our district’s commitment to coming together to build a strong reading community. Whether you read alone, with a friend, or as part of a group, the goal is to inspire each other and share in the joy of reading.
On January 28, 2026, members of the Colorado House of Representatives wrote to our Board of Education expressing their strong support for the Cherry Creek Reads celebration and recognized the Cherry Creek School District community for its literacy efforts for this annual reading initiative.
Thank you to the CCSD Library Leadership Team for organizing this event, and to the Cherry Creek Education Association (CCEA) for donating a book to each school library. Let’s come together to read, celebrate, and create a culture of acceptance and inclusion in our community!