I was 10 when Reading Rainbow premiered in 1983, and I was already an avid reader and was involved in many outdoor adventures during the summers, so I never watched an episode of the show. I appreciate the impact of the show on several generations of people, and as a big PBS supporter, I was curious to learn more about this classic educational TV show.

The long history behind Reading Rainbow is told by three different authors, which lead to a disjointed narrative that jumped back and forth in a non-chronological way that made it hard to follow at times, especially because it jumped from first person narrative to third, and often! There was a lot of talk about the history of the Buffalo TV station that ultimately produced the show, and I was sort of "meh" about all that information.

I read the whole book but can only remember a few things: they had over 20 seasons and only 155 shows, in part due to lack of funding. The guest list was INCREDIBLE. I had no idea such an eclectic mix of personalities were used. Even though LeVar Burton was the face of the show, I only counted two quotes from him, and that was very late in the book.

I've seen many 5-star reviews for this book from people who grew up on Reading Rainbow, which may have colored their perspective a bit. It's just not written that well and rather like a textbook. I'm glad I read it, but I'll definitely never revisit it.

Very insightful. It was really cool to read about people who were committed to harnessing television to make a difference in the lives of young viewers. Soon after (and even during Reading Rainbow's tenure), many television shows when more the "edutainment" route. Reading Rainbow learned a lot from other programs and coordinated a lot with their local school districts - something I was pleasantly surprised to learn.

There are multiple authors of the book, so sometimes the flow of the narrative is a little confusing, but this was enjoyable to read. I'm thankful for the Reading Rainbow legacy, and for this insight into how it came to be.

When I saw this book available, I was so excited and immediately requested it. The excitement only increased when I soon learned I was approved to read the ARC. It was an informative history about the background of a key component of my childhood--Reading Rainbow! Some parts I could have done without, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A bit dry, a little formal, but for someone who loved Reading Rainbow growing up, I loved it. Seeing the origin story for a loved piece of my childhood was great.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Growing up a fan of reading rainbow, this book was a must read.

I learned much about the background of americas favorite show!

I enjoyed learning about the specific history of Reading Rainbow, especially LeVar Burton's prominent role once he was cast, however I felt that the overall narrative could have been strengthened by providing more of a historical context into public television and the development of American literacy programs and some sharper editing of personal stories.

A very thorough and detailed account of how the beloved "Reading Rainbow" came to be. The question was: "Do you think children's reading goes down during summer break?" The action plan was to encourage kids to read, with more comprehension, and provide motivation to continue reading. The creators received support to build a bridge between television and reading. Where books and tv were not enemies.
I fondly remember watching Reading Rainbow in the 1990's I feel like it was always entertaining and educational.

I really enjoyed learning about Reading Rainbow, it was everything that was promised in the description and enjoyed the overall feel of the research. It was great to learn about a show I grew up and glad I was able to read this. Barbara Irwin and Tony Buttino Sr. and Pam Johnson wrote this perfectly and hope to read more like this.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book about how Reading Rainbow came about and who we have to thank for such a wonderful program.

As a HUGE fan of Reading Rainbow - and LeVar Burton - I was so excited to read this book!
SOOOOO much nostalgia and gread memories were triggered by this book. It was a oaded with so many things that I didn't know - it was great! Reading Rainbow had such a huge impact on my (and Im such millions of others) love of reading. I'll always be grateful for the dreams of the creators. Thank ou to Netgalley, Barbara Irwin, Tony Buttino Sr and Pam Johnson. All opinions are completely my own.

Nonfiction is not my jam. Reading is my jam. Reading Rainbow was my jam as a kid. Do I know own three, yes three, reading rainbow shirts? Absolutely! Do I have an enamel pin on my teaching apron? You bet!

So, despite this not being my preferred genre, I can wholeheartedly recommend this read to you if:
1) You LOVE(d) Reading Rainbow
OR
2) You enjoy nonfiction that gives lots of details and a TON of background knowledge.

Would I reread this? Nope, but I did enjoy reading it through the first time around.

Thank you to Globe Pequot and NetGalley for the eARC.

I knew immediately I was going to thoroughly enjoy this book as I read Barbara Irwin's preface. Her warm remembrance of not just the show but of all those connected to it was evident. They were a natural team. Their recognition of what the show came to mean to so many and their gratitude for the chance to create something memorable added to the tone of the book. I was already past its target age when it premiered but as a by then teacher, I found it a delight and inspiration, so I was delighted to find this book. It also gives us an episode guide and book list as well as interviews and notes.

I don't normally share blurbs in my reviews, after all, they're readily available elsewhere, but thought this paragraph of the publisher's blurb spoke volumes:

"Creating Reading Rainbow explores the many intriguing and homespun stories that, when woven together, reveal how this groundbreaking and iconic television series came to be. What led to the series being called “Reading Rainbow”? How did the road to Reading Rainbow wind its way through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? How did a public television station in Buffalo spearhead a movement in education and spark the passion for reading in millions of children? And, what does lasagna have to do with it?"

Needless to say, I'm not going to deprive you of the fun of finding out the answers to these intriguing questions on your own but will say you'll learn about the many ups and downs of the creation and production of "Reading Rainbow" as you read. As a fan of host Levar Burton, though, I found the story behind his joining to team interesting. He was still riding high on the success of his role in "Roots" and, quite frankly, if nothing else, they probably assumed they're never be able to afford him given that their budge was next to nothing. Yet, Burton, the son of an English teacher who loved to read himself, was determined to do something to make a difference in the world. He came aboard and they had their face.

Needless to say, the producers faced many highs and lows. There were things that worked and, of course, things that didn't. You'll see how they learned from mistakes, however, turning most into positives. I mean, who knew a love of reading was going to lead the on camera team to, say, stand on the edge of a volcano threatening to erupt or that Burton would learn to fly a plane and scuba dive as a result of the show's direction? All that and much, much more. While Levar Burton was obviously the focus, the face of the show, learning the behind the scenes activity and planning was fascinating. More impressive, it was mostly done on a low budget. Their stories ring with warmth. They seem to have been delighted to simply be there and it shows. They bonded in their common goal, to help make reading and learning about our world accessible and, yes, fun. They became a family. They made a difference. Thanks #NetGalley and #GlobePequot - #NorthCountryBooks for sharing this warm-hearted memory with me. I've always been a reader, so I loved the show and highly recommend this book.

I grew up with Reading Rainbow and there is not programs like this for kids anymore. It’s very sad. Cannot wait to read, share, and acquire more abt this very interesting book.