Giving the Gift of Literacy: LINC on Good Morning America

Experts share age-by-age book picks to help kids fall in love with reading

Literacy in Community (LINC) wants every family to know the joy and power of reading, and on Saturday, December 20, Good Morning America amplified our message by inviting Literacy in Community’s (LINC) Chief Program Officer, Laura Walsh on the show.

Laura passionately described LINC’s mission to provide free books, early literacy programs, and opportunities for parents to learn how best to help their children build strong language and literacy foundations - so they enter kindergarten confident and ready to learn.

• At LINC we know that literacy starts at birth “from day one” 

• We help families feel supported in making sure their kids become strong readers

• We want families to encounter reading everywhere they go throughout their community and we provide opportunities, tips and tricks to make that a reality

Laura’s three book recommendations for Good Morning America included:

Feelings, a bilingual board book for ages 0-3 by author Susie Jaramillo. Feelings teaches kids print concepts as well as essential social emotional learning skills. With an interactive flap book component, it allows for cozy engagement with your little reader, and they can read it time and time again! 

Penguin Problems, a funny fictional story for ages 3 - 7 by author Jory John. Penguin Problems features a Penguin with many grievances and teaches kids to look on the bright side by sparking meaningful conversations about science and animal habitats. Penguin Problems is the first in a series of “animal problems” books which can be used to foster love of reading and build a child’s interest in animal wildlife. 

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, a chapter about friendship and community for ages 8-13 by author Chanel Miller. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All is a great first “big kid book” for 3rd and 4th grade readers and engaging for many middle schoolers. Set in the backdrop of New York City, it incorporates mystery and adventure. No wonder it received the Newbery Honor in 2025.

Laura knows firsthand how to pick books that children will want to read over and over. She recommends following your children’s interests and focusing on readability. If your child can easily read the first paragraph, they’ll likely be able to read the book independently. If not, that is a good book to start reading together.

See for yourself what the experts have to say on Good Morning America.

It’s not too late to give the gift of literacy. Donate by December 31 and your gift will be matched by a generous friend of LINC.  

LINC's Chief Program Officer, Laura Walsh (right) with Good Morning America anchors Whit Johnson, Janai Norman, and Gio Benitez (from left to right).