Brief bio
Rachael Walker is Reading Rockets’ partnership and outreach consultant, and writes the Book Life blog. She is passionate about helping kids develop a love of reading and has more than thirty years of experience in bringing organizations together to promote children’s literacy. As an architect of and the creator of content for the National Education Association’s Read Across America program, Rachael helped NEA transition Read Across America from a one-day celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss to a year-round resource to help educators and parents connect kids of all ages with books where they can see themselves reflected and respected. She creates materials for Random House Children’s Books, Disney, Algonquin Young Readers, and other publishers so that educators will have resources to help them boost student engagement with books.
She also created national celebrations like National D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day for HarperCollins Children’s Books and Get a Kick Out of Reading/¡Lee y Marca un Golazo! with Major League Soccer and the National Education Association. From 2011-2020, as a literacy advisor for the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn initiative, she was active in the development of new and innovative parent tools, including three award-winning apps. Rachael began her career in children’s literacy at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and was also the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC.
Rachael proudly serves on the Advisory Board of The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance.
Recent articles
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Flight
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Gardening
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Government
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Green Eggs and Ham
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Heroes
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Money
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Oceans
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Rivers
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Robots
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Stars
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: The Lorax
Activities
Reading Adventure Pack: Weather
Recent blog posts
Book Life
And … We’re Off!
Book Life
Sharks in Socks?
Book Life
Summer Reading Chills and Thrills
Book Life
Water Words and Watersheds
Book Life
Adventures of My Summer River Rangers
Book Life
My Avid Book Listener
Book Life
Investing in the Writer in You
Book Life
Good Things Happen When Teachers Write
Book Life
Sharing Your Writing Life
Book Life