Home

One on One Literacy Instruction

We transform your stuggling reader into a thriving student.

Too many parents are worried because their kids are struggling to read and spell well. At Book Bums, we use explicit, systematic phonics instruction to transform struggling readers into excelling students.

To be a successful student, your child needs to be a successful reader.

We know you want the best for your child.

If your child is struggling, you may be worried or frustrated.

You aren't alone. We serve parents like you every day.

FFL2.5

We Will Get Your Child Back on Track.

Improve Confidence

Your child will have the confidence to take on new academic challenges.

Better Scores

Your child’s grades across all subjects are impacted by reading skills.

New Opportunties

Your child has opportunities to enjoy activities inside and outside of the classroom.

Book Bums. by Malinda Hartong, @TheHartongs | Photojournalists

Book Bums Tutoring uses the Foundations for Literacy (FFL) curriculum created by Dr. Christina Williams Ed. D. throughout her 30 years of teaching and in response to scientific research regarding how to effectively teach students to read and spell. The research makes clear that explicit, systematic phonics instruction, leaning into an awareness of phonemes, is required to accurately navigate the code upon which our language is based. The Foundations for Literacy curriculum is a fast, fun, and highly-effective alternative to the inadequate “strategies” that have infiltrated our school system.

BB skinny logo
FFL Logo 2019 crop 2

What parents like you are saying...

“We BOTH looked forward to class each Saturday morning. We couldn’t wait to see what fun activities Dr. Christy would have planned for us and which books she would share. I was fascinated by her clever ideas for helping kids “crack the code” of reading. Not only does Dr. Christy have a Ed.D. in Early Literacy, she has years of experience as a classroom teacher right here in our community! This class is well worth the time and money. It was an investment in my child’s literacy that I am so glad I made!”

–Emily M., Educator and Author

"We cannot thank you enough for your amazing support on our literacy journey! I am super happy to report that James improved his MAP score in reading by 18 points from Fall to Winter and he achieved the required 194 to meet the third grade guarantee!

We are forever grateful to you and the Book Bums crew for carrying us across this finish line!!"

-Michelle L.

Text Message 9/13/2019

"Tommy apparently scored lowest of all the second graders in their initial assessment. I am so confused and discouraged about that."

Text Message 2/6/2020

"I just left Tommy's conference and wanted to tell you that I left crying tears of JOY this time. He is completely "caught up" to the averages. His teacher told me she thinks he is the best student she has ever had at sounding out words phonetically."

-Casey P.

Why Phonics? Why FFL?

%
Students who remain off track after school intervention.
%
4th Graders who were proficient or avanced Readers.
%
Student who struggle in 1st grade are still struggling in 7th grade.
%
Struggling readers whose parents are college educated.

There are thousands of words in the English language. It is unrealistic to think your child can simply memorize them all. Our language is based on a code and the Foundation for Literacy curriculum helps our tutoring students crack that code.

Is your child ready for 2nd Grade?

Take this free at-home assessment.

Newsletter and Blog Posts

Newsletter -The Snowy Day- February 21, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter Dr. Christy shares how you can use a simple picture book to explore new writing techniques. We also have some exciting podcast news! In the Literary Calendar section of this installment, we share some information about Erma Bombeck. She has so many quotable quotes, it was […]

Read More

Newsletter – Alluring- February 14, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Happy Valentine’s Day! ‘Tis the season for sweet notes, poetry, and love stories, and this week in the newsletter we have all that and more. Read to the end for a special note about Book Bums holiday hours. Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; We earn from qualifying purchases. This means that […]

Read More

Newsletter – Nook- February 7, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! When life gets busy and messy, as it often does, it’s good to know what your priorities are and what values you want to lean on. This week Dr. Christy shares ideas and lessons from reading and a favorite tv show. We also have a Valentine’s Day craft that’s for the […]

Read More

Newsletter – Hello February- January 31, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter Dr. Christy talks about No Guess Zones. We also share a February craft, a winter word, some American history, and some comic relief about the English language. We always enjoy hearing from you! Reply to this email to tell us what you like about the newsletter […]

Read More

Newsletter – Eruption- January 24, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Here at Book Bums you know we love to think about words and language. But once I learned them, I couldn’t resist sharing some math facts about our current year, the number 2025. • First, it’s a perfect square, meaning it’s the product of 45×45. • Second, you can break 2025 […]

Read More

Newsletter – Elusive- January 17, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! We hope you are staying warm in the snowy, frigid weather we’ve been having. This week in the newsletter we’re thinking about audio book experiences, noticing allusions in reading and conversation, and sharing some MLK day news. We begin, though, with a poem appropriate for the wintertime. Blizzard by Linda Pastan […]

Read More

Newsletter – Happy New Year – January 10, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Welcome to 2025!  For many people, the new year is a season of fresh starts, so in this week’s newsletter we have book recommendations to build confidence, ideas for encouraging your kids by thinking out loud, and a whole list of ways to build reading time into your family. There’s also […]

Read More

Newsletter – Going Nuts for the Holidays – December 20, 2024

Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter we’re thinking about words. You’ll find gratitude and perseverance in our book recommendation. We share variety and focus in our tips for families and teachers. And in the holiday spirit we have song lyrics, puns, and more. Read on and enjoy! Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; […]

Read More

Newsletter – Books, Crafts, and Jokes for Christmas- December 13, 2024

Hello Book Bums families! Does your family enjoy punny jokes? Here are some Christmas themed-jokes to try out: How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing – it was on the house! What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes! What does a gingerbread man use when he breaks his leg? A candy cane! […]

Read More

Newsletter – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas- December 6, 2024

Hello Book Bums families! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the arrival of December and some frosty weather, we are getting in the holiday spirit at Book Bums. This week in the newsletter we share favorite holiday traditions, opportunities to give back to your community, festive breakfast ideas, and a gift giving […]

Read More

Book Bums Locations
West Chester:
7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. Suite L
West Chester, Ohio 45069
Inside Kids First Sports:
7900 E Kemper Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249

Follow Us: