February 2025
Our beginning
Our founder, Madeleine Chin, is a young author who wants to make an immediate and direct impact to help kids find their joy for reading and writing. She started Mindful Reading with a mission to increase literacy in children.
March 2025
Book donation - P.S. 15 Jackie Robinson
Donated 250 books to fifth grade classroom.
April 2025
Book donation - Brook Avenue Elementary
Donated 350 books to second grade classroom.
Book donation - P.S. 37 Cynthia Jenkins
Donated 210 books to fourth and fifth grade classrooms.
Library of Congress - Surplus Books Program
Brought back many books for donations.
Book donation - Ronald McDonald House Charities
Donated 3 brand new sets total of 108 books.
Meeting with Book Fairies
Had the opportunity to meet the program director, Sherry.
Book donation - P.S. 120
Donated 315 books to second grade classroom.
Book delivery from Book Fairies
Thank you Book Fairies for these wonderful books!
Career Day at P.S. 15
Madeleine, our founder and author, spoke to the entire elementary school about her writing journey and what her two novels are about. What an honor! Huge thank you to all the students and faculty for being so supportive! We also donated 208 books from Book Fairies.
May 2025
June 2025
Author Visit at P.S. 164
Madeleine spoke to 6 classrooms from first grade to third grade. The students were very curious to learn about her writing journey. It was so fun engaging with them! We also donated 450 books from Book Fairies.
Author Visit at P.S. 312Q
Madeleine spoke to the entire school with 14 classrooms from kindergarten to fifth grade rotating between 5 sessions. The kids were so happy to receive the 710 books we donated. The smiles on all of their faces made it a very memorable experience.
Check out the school's reel!
First pop-up reading corner
The event was a great success! It drew in families and young readers eager to explore new books. We met many children who were so happy to pick out books they like and bring them home.
Second pop-up reading corner
The children were all smiles browsing through titles when they won raffle to bring home free books. It was like a mini treasure hunt right in the park.
Third pop-up reading corner
Another successful pop-up reading corner! Glad the light rain didn't ruin the fun. Really enjoyed seeing the children going through our collection to pick books to read at the park as well as bringing them home.
Book delivery from Library of Congress
Many thanks to Congressman Tom Suozzi and his staff, Victoria, for supporting our mission by delivering books from Library of Congress Surplus Books Program! We are truly grateful for this incredible effort.
July 2025
August 2025
New initiative: AAPI Stories for Kids
We launched a new project to donate books by AAPI authors and with AAPI characters to schools, libraries and community organizations. It's our goal to increase access to books where kids can see themselves in the story.
September 2025
Book donation from A.Y. Chan
What a generous donation from A.Y. Chan, author of Mo Seto series! So excited we're adding these books to AAPI Stories for Kids as we continue to curate a list of AAPI books.
Fourth pop-up reading corner
Meeting Rebecca Sassouni, Board of Education Trustee, was a very memorable experience for Madeleine. It is truly incredible to have the support from a dedicated and passionate education leader.
Women's Networking and Empowerment
Madeleine was invited by Nassau County Legislator, Mazi Pilip, to attend the first Annual "Women for Mazi" as a special guest. She was so thankful to meet Mazi Pilip, and other community leaders, Bruce Blakeman (County Executive), Jennifer DeSena (Town Supervisor), Ragini Srivastava (Town Clerk).
Speaking event at P.S. 150
Madeleine was very excited to get back to giving presentations to young children about importance of reading, the fun of writing, and perseverance to pursue their dreams. We also donated 432 books to the school.
Check out the Instagram post below!
October 2025
New initiative: Writing Workshops
We launched a new initiative to organize writing workshops that invite children to explore storytelling, strengthen their writing skills, and share their voices with peers. Through engaging and interactive activities, we help them discover the power of words and self-expression.
Dedicated AAPI bookshelf at SAYA
After curating AAPI Stories for Kids list for last 2 months, we partnered with SAYA.org to set up dedicated AAPI bookshelves at their center and after-school programs. These bookshelves will allow kids to easily find books where they can see themselves in the stories.
Speaking Event at P.S. 124Q
Another amazing experience for Madeleine speaking to over 140 elementary school students at P.S. 124Q. She loved seeing the kids' curiosity and how excited they were to pick out books from our donation of 584.
November 2025
Dedicated AAPI shelf in GN Library
Dropped off new AAPI books at Madeleine's local library in Great Neck. The library has agreed to our request to set up a dedicated bookshelf for all these books. Having this shelf can allow kids to easily find AAPI books.
Speaking Event at P.S.199Q
Madeleine had a wonderful experience speaking in front of 160 kids. Their energy and enthusiasm were amazing to witness. We also donated 560 books to the school.
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Check out the school's IG post!
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVTOv-k35X/?igsh=aTZya29jZGRpYjJ3
December 2025
Interview at NSTV
Madeleine was interviewed by NSTV.org where she discussed her writing journey, how she started Mindful Reading, and the impact of the initiatives. It was so fun working with the NSTV crew!
Speaking event at P.S. 20Q
Madeleine had a great time connecting with 157 students after her presentation to answer their questions on reading/writing, and hearing their stories. She enjoyed seeing their smiles as they went through the donation of 700 books.
AAPI bookshelf unveiled at GN Library
A BIG win for AAPI Stories for Kids! After months of curating list, collecting books, and contacting libraries/organizations, Madeleine's dream came true as she cut the ribbon to officially unveil the AAPI bookshelf at her local library! We donated 270 AAPI books to two branches and they all have a beautiful book plate and AAPI sticker on the spine.
