The Story Behind KidsRead2Kids
Alana Blumenstein of KidsRead2Kids is our guest blogger.
When Jacob and I founded KidsRead2Kids in June 2017, we were only in high school. But we had a big dream: to support every struggling learner – and let them know they are not alone.
In our family of seven, each member has a learning difference. Jacob (18) and Julia (16) are dyslexic. Reuben (14) and Benjamin (23) are ADHD, as is our father, Ricky. Some also struggle with dysgraphia.
And, though never diagnosed, my mother Carol has struggled with reading and spelling all her life.
Growing up, we knew nothing of learning disabilities. When my brother Jacob started school, he couldn’t learn to read. His teachers and classmates didn’t understand his inner struggle, mistaking it for laziness. Jacob felt stupid and ashamed – and utterly alone.
When he was diagnosed with dyslexia in 5th grade, he quickly switched to a school with better resources. He knew he was lucky, so he decided to give back to kids like him.
I also struggled with selective mutism as a child, which affected me severely in school. I knew what it was like to sink in a learning environment, to feel misunderstood by peers and teachers. And I wanted to help.
In 2016, I entered a local Shark-Tank competition on behalf of KidsRead2Kids – and won. The prize was $250 in seed money. It wasn’t much, but with our passion, it was more than enough. One year later, we were ready to begin.
Our decision didn’t come as a surprise to our family. Our mother Carol helped us create it.
I was a 17-year-old junior; Jacob was a 15-year-old freshman. Neither of us knew anything about how to start and successfully run a nonprofit. But she did. My mother is a Wharton graduate and a former engineer and consultant. Luckily for us, she was more than willing to help us achieve our goal.
The Blumenstein Family
We were never alone in our journey. My mom has always been our biggest supporter, and we wouldn’t be anywhere without her.
Today, KidsRead2Kids is Parents’ Choice award-winning nonprofit dedicated to bringing the joy back to the struggling reader. We provide video-audiobooks of abridged classic novels read by high school volunteers, to show every child that they are not alone. We have also created lesson plans to Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables to support teachers, parents, students and librarians amid remote learning. Each chapter includes listening comprehension questions, creative writing prompts, a vocabulary builder, and fun games.
Jacob Blumenstein
In addition, we are the Ambassadors for the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)’s Kid Zone! and Jacob is the founding President of the International Dyslexia Association Youth and Young Adult Advocate program. KidsRead2Kids is also partnering with Teach My Kid to Read. We provide interactive reading videos of wonderful picture books for early learners and fun activities to support early reading.
With help and support, we have made a lot of progress. But we are far from done.
In our upcoming digital KidsRead2Kids Magazine, we will share our own personal advice. In addition, we will highlight impressive people all over the world – each with their own unique story. We hope our magazine will provide comfort for parents and encourage kids to believe in themselves. We can’t wait for you to read it!
To any kid who aspires to make a difference: the most important thing is to believe in yourself. Always trust your gut and lean towards your passions. That’s what we did. Our dreams and interests are our greatest superpowers.
Reuben and Alana
And remember, we’re always here if you need support or feel alone. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) don’t hesitate to reach out! You can email us anytime at info@kidsread2kids.com. We’d love to hear from you. If you want to stay updated on our exciting news, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and mailing list. We hope you enjoy our site and we appreciate all the support.
It’s taken a lot of hard work and passion, but we are much further towards our goal. Not only that, but we have met many inspiring people and learned so much along the way. It has been an incredible journey and we are so grateful for it all.
Looking back, it’s crazy to think that it all started with two high school kids. We hope our story encourages you to believe in your dreams, too!
Check out Jacob Blumenstein’s interview on NDC’s YouTube channel and subscribe!
Hey there!
We’re Nashville Dyslexia Center, your go-to stop for online dyslexia tutoring. We’re here to help overwhelmed parents get the reading help they need. Our mission? To see your child thrive - both academically and personally.
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VIDEO RESOURCES PLAYLIST
01. About NDC
Hear from two clients and their childs’ success.
02. Getting a Diagnosis
for dyslexia
03. Language Development
Insight from a Speech Language Pathologist
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READ THE LATEST POSTS
Episode 1: Jacob Blumenstein of KidsRead2Kids
In Episode 1 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Jacob Blumenstein, founder of KidsRead2Kids, shares his passion for helping struggling readers find confidence and joy in reading. This inspiring conversation explores how early experiences with literacy challenges can spark meaningful work, and how compassion, creativity, and structured guidance make a real difference for learners of…
Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver
Understanding whether a child has dyslexia can be both empowering and overwhelming for families. In Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver, the Nashville Dyslexia Center brings clarity to the dyslexia assessment process by talking with Dr. Klaver — an experienced neuropsychologist — about what evaluations involve, when to seek one, and how results…
Episode 3: Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton
Dyslexia is most often defined by language-based learning differences — difficulties with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency. But there’s another side to dyslexia that isn’t talked about as often: the emotional experience. In the Nashville Dyslexia Center video “Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton,” families are guided through how dyslexia can impact…
Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life
When a child struggles with reading, it affects the whole family. Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life offers an honest and heartfelt look at one parent’s dyslexia journey. Nicole Holcomb — educator, attorney, and founder of Dyslexia Mom Life — shares her family’s experience with dyslexia, including early concerns, the emotional impact,…
Episode 5: Author Cigdem Knebel of Simple Words Books
Dyslexia doesn’t just challenge readers — it also inspires creators. In Episode 5: Author Çiğdem Knebel of Simple Words Books, the Nashville Dyslexia Center highlights how one author’s understanding of dyslexia fuels her mission to make reading more approachable and joyful for children. This episode celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the power of thoughtful book design…
Episode 6: Andra Harris, Author of Magnificent Meg
In Episode 6 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, author Andra Harris shares a compelling story of creativity, resilience, and advocacy. Known for her book Magnificent Meg, Andra opens up about her personal journey with dyslexia — transforming her experiences into a creative work that not only entertains, but empowers young readers who may feel…
Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective — A Real Look at Dyslexia and the Family Journey
Every family’s experience with dyslexia is unique, but there are common threads that many parents recognize: early confusion, unanswered questions, and the desire to find help that actually works. In Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective, the Nashville Dyslexia Center shares a heartfelt and honest conversation with a parent whose child has navigated reading struggles, evaluations,…
Episode 8: Marc Hoffman, Educational Entrepreneur and Dyslexic
In Episode 8 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Marc Hoffman shares a candid and inspiring story about growing up with dyslexia and later becoming an educational entrepreneur. His journey highlights how struggling with a learning difference doesn’t have to limit a person’s potential — and in many cases, it can shape strengths that lead…
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