Each week, a parent, guardian, or community member is invited to read aloud to the class — but their identity is kept secret until they walk through the door. Drop clues throughout the week: "Our mystery reader has two kids at this school." "Our mystery reader's favorite food is pizza."

Students buzz about who it might be. They're engaged before the reading even starts. And when the mystery reader turns out to be someone's mom, or the school bus driver, or a local firefighter, the message is clear: reading is something everyone does, not just teachers.