Solutions Journalism

Books that educators and researchers often call “mirror books” are those that reflect a reader's own experiences, identity or culture and can be used to encourage reading and support family literacy.

Mirror Books is a new podcast series from Book Public at Texas Public Radio about seeing ourselves — and discovering and knowing others — through books. Our inaugural guest is acclaimed author Sandra Cisneros, whose writing has become a mirror for countless readers. Listen as she discusses not just one mirror book, but many — and the ways these books she discovered from childhood through adulthood have remained important to her.

Research shows fathers play an important role in helping children build language, communication and early literacy skills through everyday interactions. Texas Public Radio explores how one San Antonio program centers fathers as active partners in their children's learning.

Across San Antonio, schools and nonprofits are exploring how helping parents and children build literacy skills together can improve outcomes for both generations.