The NBA, the Timberwolves and Lynx are pleased to once again implement the Read to Achieve Starting 5 program. This program coincides with the Read to Achieve initiative, a year-round literacy program campaign to help young people develop a life-long love of reading and to encourage adults to read regularly with children.

Reaching an estimated 50 million children a year, Read to Achieve is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. Locally, the program consists of a Starting Five reading program, Reading Time Outs, the refurbishment and creation of Reading and Learning Centers, and book donations.

The Read to Achieve program receives league-wide support from the entire NBA family. In addition to being supported by all 30 NBA teams, 16 WNBA teams, and the eight teams that make up the National Basketball Association Development League (NBA D-League), Read to Achieve is supported by the NBA's officials, parents and wives of players organizations, and the NBA Players Association and Retired Player Association. Read to Achieve also expands the NBA's existing partnerships with Scholastic Inc., and Reading Is Fundamental.

Provided below is information about the Read to Achieve Starting 5 program. Students who read and record at least 500 pages during this time will receive a special Timberwolves prize package. This package includes:

Timberwolves backpack
bookmark and poster
Ticket to the Timberwolves Read To Achieve Game in March

In addition, the top three readers program wide will receive 4 lower level tickets to the March 29 game, watch pregame warm-ups from the bench, be recognized during the game and on the Timberwolves website, and receive a personalized Timberwolves jersey.

Please have your child fill out the reading card in its entirety during the 8-week reading time frame and send it back in. All cards must be postmarked by January 31st, 2009. If you have any questions please contact the FastBreak Foundation at fastbreakfoundation@timberwolves.com

Please send all completed reading cards to:
Minnesota Timberwolves
Attn: Read to Achieve
600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Read to Achieve Card and Parent/Guardian Letter
Read to Achieve Teacher Letter

NBA Read To Achieve

As part of the Timberwolves’ Read To Achieve program, Crunch is doing his part to encourage students of all ages to read. Working with Hennepin County Medical Center’s Children’s Literacy Program, he’s come up with a list of books that kids will be eager to wolf down. From zany fantasy to stark realism there is something for every taste.

Click here for a for a list of Crunch's Recommended Reading List For Kids