Real Men Read Parent/Mentor Portal
Real Men Read is a kindergarten literacy program that enhances reading skills and builds home libraries for all MCCSC kindergarteners. Listen to what our children think of the program.
Volunteers are male members of our community who are passionate about reading and helping our kindergarteners learn to read. MENtors are assigned to a kindergarten classroom and read a preselected book during the months of October, November, February, March and April. After the reading each child is given a copy of the book for their home library.
Volunteers must submit information for a back ground check and will be required to wear a mask while volunteering.
Books for this year are listed below along with links to recorded readings, information, and new vocabulary. Our goal is to share fun activities and exciting stories with our early readers to encourage a love reading.
Research shows that reading with a child at home is one of the best ways to increase reading skills.
If you are interested in volunteering as a MENtor please email us at fmccs@mccsc.edu
You can make a gift to support this program.
- $20 funds the program for one student.
- $60 funds one classroom for one month of the program.
- $300 funds a classroom for all five months of the program.
To make a donation to Real Men Read, please click the Donate button. Under "Related Gift Information," make a note that your donation is "For Real Men Read." Thank you for fostering a love for reading in our students.

Thank you to our 2022-2023 program sponsors:


Wahl Family Charitable Trust
October - Frog on a Log
Written by: Kes Gray & Jim Field
A read-aloud story that will have kids rhyming around the house!
"It's very simple, really.
Key Vocabulary:
- hare
- sofa
- pillar

November - We Are Growing
Written by Lauri Keller

Walt and his friends are growing up fast! Everyone is the something-est. But .. what abut Walt? His not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! So, what are YOU, Walt?
Recommendations:
Elephant and Piggie like reading, Mo Willems.
February - Pierre the Penguin, A True Story
Written by: Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Laura Regan
Pierre the Penguin lesson plan
New Vocabulary
- observed (watched or noticed)
- jam (difficult situation)
- brayed (squawked loudly)
- neoprene (thick, stretchy fabric)

This is a true story about Pierre, a small penguin in a museum in California. The people at the California Academy of Sciences worked together to help him. This book is written in verse so the language has rhythm and rhyme.
Recommendations:
Check out these links to learn more about Pierre and the California Academy of Sciences
PENGUIN FEEDING at the California Academy of Sciences
Daily at 10:30 San Francisco time—1:30 Bloomington time
Pierre’s African penguin colony are fed, just like they are in Pierre’s story.
March- Fly Guy #1: Hi Fly Guy!
Written by: Ted Arnold
When Buzz captures a fly to enter in The Amazing Pet Show, his parents and the judges tell him that a fly cannot be a pet, but Fly Guy proves them wrong.
This book introduces early readers to chapter books.
New Vocabulary
- pest
- rescue
- judges
- award
- friendship

April - Pete the Cat's Train Trip
Written by: James Dean
Pete the Cat is excited to take a train ride to see his grandmother. The conductor gives Pete a tour of the train. Read to find out what fun adventures Pete has on his train trip.
MENtor Reading by Dennis Cromwell
New Vocabulary
- cargo train (a train that carries things like coal, not people)
- conductor (the person who takes tickets and helps people on a train)
- caboose (the last car on a train, usually red)
- engineer (the person who drives the train)
Recommendations:
Talk to your school librarian for more Pete the Cat books!
