#ReadingIsLOVE
Father Focused. Family Centered.

Inspiring Fathers to Read Daily Because #ReadingIsLOVE

FathersRead365 advocates for early literacy from birth through a non-judgmental, inclusive approach. We equip fathers and caregivers with the books, tools, and confidence to make reading engaging and routine.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit & 509(a)(2) CharityNAACP Spirit Hall of Fame InducteesFeatured in Reading Is Love
Father actively reading with his child
Proven Impact To Date
350,000+ Books
Placed into personal home libraries
2017
Temple Roots
350,000+
Books Donated
1 Million
Annual Dads Goal
The Reality & Our Solution

Why Father-Led Early Literacy Matters

Research shows positive father-child interactions during early childhood deeply stimulate cognitive development, language competence, and lifelong academic confidence.

61%

Closing the Book Gap

61% of low-income families own zero books for their children at home. We dismantle this barrier through direct, zero-cost book distribution directly into communities.

Shame-Free Engagement

We believe in non-judgmental literacy coaching. No matter a caregiver's reading level or background, we provide practical tools to turn 15 minutes of daily reading into fun and bonding.

#1MillionDadsReading

An ongoing national movement mobilizing fathers and male mentors to normalize reading. Share storytime photos or videos to inspire the next generation of fathers.

Mobile Literacy Center

The FR365 Book Bus: Bringing Stories to Every Neighborhood

Could you imagine a childhood without books? Our vibrant mobile Book Bus travels directly to parks, community centers, schools, and daycare centers, allowing children to step aboard and select their very own brand-new books to keep forever.

  • Free book giveaways at every stop
  • Interactive storytelling and read-aloud sessions
  • R.E.A.D.Y. 1st Network for childcare center partnerships
FR365 Book Bus in community
FathersRead365 reading aloud with a circle of engaged young children
Viral Movement

#1MillionDadsReading Campaign

Our annual mission is to mobilize at least one million men to use the hashtag #1MillionDadsReading by sharing photos and videos of reading with their children. Together, we are reshaping the narrative and showing that reading is strength, love, and connection.

How You Can Participate:
1. Grab a book with your child • 2. Snap a photo or video • 3. Post with #1MillionDadsReading & tag @fathersread365
Caregiver Training Video

The ABCs of Active Reading

Learn three simple ways to make reading with children more engaging, interactive, and meaningful. Our ABCs of Active Reading help parents and caregivers turn everyday storytime into opportunities for learning and connection.

AA — Ask Questions: Encourage children to think, predict, and participate by asking both open-ended and closed-ended questions about the story, pictures, and characters. Use questions to spark curiosity, check understanding, and encourage conversation.
BB — Build Vocabulary: Introduce new words during reading. Explain their meanings, connect them to familiar experiences, and encourage children to use them in conversation.
CC — Create Connections: Help children relate stories to their own lives, feelings, families, and everyday experiences to strengthen understanding and make reading more meaningful.
Leadership & Roots

Meet Akeiff & Brent

Former Temple University football teammates, longtime friends, and devoted community leaders who founded FathersRead365 in 2017 to ensure no child grows up without books.

Akeiff Staples

Akeiff Staples

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Entrepreneur, author, and strategic leader with a longstanding passion for advocacy and empowering underserved populations. Inspired by his early work with at-risk youth, Akeiff is deeply committed to fatherhood, family engagement, and strengthening parent-child bonds. He oversees FathersRead365's vision, operations, partnerships, and organizational growth, creating lasting opportunities for families to thrive.

Brent Johnstone

Brent Johnstone

Co-Founder & Director of Community Engagement

Author, literacy advocate, and community leader championing dyslexia awareness, fatherhood, and early childhood education. Drawing from his personal journey with dyslexia, Brent engages families, educators, and communities to promote reading confidence, inclusion, and educational opportunities. His hands-on approach to outreach helps build meaningful relationships and expand FathersRead365's impact.

Published Works

Children's Books by Co-Founders Akeiff Staples & Brent Johnstone

Inspiring self-esteem, pride, and healthy lifestyle habits for young readers.

I'm Beautiful, I'm Proud book cover

"I'm Beautiful, I'm Proud!"

A joyful celebration of identity, self-worth, and diversity for children.

Buy & Support Us
Mr. Healthy Snacks book cover

"Mr. Healthy Snacks"

Making nutritious food exciting and memorable for early learners.

Buy & Support Us