- Sections :
- Crime & Public Safety
- Restaurants & Food
- Sports
- More
Categories
Award-winning Author Angela Dominguez will visit The Woodlands in April
THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Arts Council has awarded a $5,000 grant to Reading Is Revolutionary, the nonprofit arm of Village Books, an independent bookshop in The Woodlands, Texas. The grant will fund the purchase of a book by award-winning author and illustrator Angela Dominguez for every student at Hailey Elementary School, a Title I campus in Conroe ISD where nearly 60% of students come from low-income households. The funding also supports an in‑person visit from the author. The $5,000 award is part of the council's Dr. David Gottleib Education Microgrant Program and represents the principal funding for the project, with the balance supplied through Reading Is Revolutionary’s community-supported donations.
Angela Dominguez is a celebrated author and illustrator whose bilingual books have earned numerous accolades, including Pura Belpré Illustration Honors and a Sid Fleischman Award. Her books celebrate cultural diversity and help young readers see themselves reflected in literature. Her works include the Lolo and Birdie, Stella Diaz, and Gabby Torres series of titles. Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers is a Texas Bluebonnet selection for 2026-2027.
Extensive research underscores the importance of book ownership and author engagement. Children who own even one book at home are 6 times more likely to read above grade level, and according to a 2019 report by the U.K. National Literacy Trust, students who participate in author visits are twice as likely to read above their age level. Moreover, studies from the National Literacy Trust found that author visits can boost students’ reading motivation by up to 85%.
“This grant ensures that every child at Hailey Elementary will not only meet a celebrated author but will also take home one of her books for themselves,” said Teresa Kenney, founder of Reading Is Revolutionary and co-owner of Village Books. “That’s the kind of moment that can change a reader’s life. Angela Dominguez is one of the students' favorite authors and her visit shows them that their voices matter and their stories are worth telling.”
On April 10, Angela Dominguez will visit Hailey Elementary to present to students across all grade levels, lead Q&A sessions, sign books, and share her creative process. The next day, Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m., she will appear at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival’s Books on the Green tent, deepening her engagement with the community. One of the top fine arts festivals in the country, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival takes place this year April 10-12 in The Woodlands, Texas.
The grant reflects a powerful collaboration between The Woodlands Arts Council, Reading Is Revolutionary, and Conroe ISD.
“Supporting literacy and creativity in young students is incredibly important to our mission,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director of The Woodlands Arts Council. “We’re honored to do this work, and it’s only possible because of the continued support of our art lovers, sponsors, and community partners.
About Reading Is Revolutionary
Reading Is Revolutionary is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Village Books and is dedicated to increasing access to books, literacy programming, and author experiences for underserved communities. To support local programs, donate at readingisrevolutionary.org.
About Village Books
Village Books is an independent bookstore in The Woodlands, Texas, committed to nurturing a vibrant local literary culture.
About The Woodlands Arts Council
The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching our region through cultural and educational programming that encourages, supports, and promotes the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Tickets to The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival are available at https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/buytickets
Funds will support author visit, and purchase a book for every student, at Title I campus
Angela Dominguez is a celebrated author and illustrator whose bilingual books have earned numerous accolades, including Pura Belpré Illustration Honors and a Sid Fleischman Award. Her books celebrate cultural diversity and help young readers see themselves reflected in literature. Her works include the Lolo and Birdie, Stella Diaz, and Gabby Torres series of titles. Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers is a Texas Bluebonnet selection for 2026-2027.
Extensive research underscores the importance of book ownership and author engagement. Children who own even one book at home are 6 times more likely to read above grade level, and according to a 2019 report by the U.K. National Literacy Trust, students who participate in author visits are twice as likely to read above their age level. Moreover, studies from the National Literacy Trust found that author visits can boost students’ reading motivation by up to 85%.
“This grant ensures that every child at Hailey Elementary will not only meet a celebrated author but will also take home one of her books for themselves,” said Teresa Kenney, founder of Reading Is Revolutionary and co-owner of Village Books. “That’s the kind of moment that can change a reader’s life. Angela Dominguez is one of the students' favorite authors and her visit shows them that their voices matter and their stories are worth telling.”
On April 10, Angela Dominguez will visit Hailey Elementary to present to students across all grade levels, lead Q&A sessions, sign books, and share her creative process. The next day, Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m., she will appear at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival’s Books on the Green tent, deepening her engagement with the community. One of the top fine arts festivals in the country, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival takes place this year April 10-12 in The Woodlands, Texas.
The grant reflects a powerful collaboration between The Woodlands Arts Council, Reading Is Revolutionary, and Conroe ISD.
“Supporting literacy and creativity in young students is incredibly important to our mission,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director of The Woodlands Arts Council. “We’re honored to do this work, and it’s only possible because of the continued support of our art lovers, sponsors, and community partners.
About Reading Is Revolutionary
Reading Is Revolutionary is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Village Books and is dedicated to increasing access to books, literacy programming, and author experiences for underserved communities. To support local programs, donate at readingisrevolutionary.org.
About Village Books
Village Books is an independent bookstore in The Woodlands, Texas, committed to nurturing a vibrant local literary culture.
About The Woodlands Arts Council
The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching our region through cultural and educational programming that encourages, supports, and promotes the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Tickets to The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival are available at https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/buytickets
Comments •
Related News: Nonprofits, Groups & Clubs
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County celebrates successful Hats for Homes fundraising event
YES to YOUTH Names Co-Chairs for the 2026 Gala Supporting At-Risk Youth
Family Promise Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Lives and Looks Ahead to an Even Bigger Year
Interfaith of The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence “Love Your Neighbor” Gala Raises Nearly $950,000 for Neighbors in Need
