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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.

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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.

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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?

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

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Newsletter and Blog Posts

Newsletter – Go Outside! – April 17, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! It’s been feeling like summer here in Cincinnati, so this week in the newsletter we’re getting outdoors with hammocks, gardens, and of course, books. Learning doesn’t stop in the summertime, though. Book Bums needs teachers and volunteers for our summer programs. We’d love for you to participate in our mission. Do […]

Newsletter – Summer is Coming – April 10, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! The calendar and the weather are both letting us know that summer is on the way. This week in the newsletter we share ideas to end the school year well and start making fun, educational plans for your summer needs. Dr. Christy also shares the latest updates from the new Book […]

Newsletter – Time to Make the Doughnuts – April 3, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! Do you remember that famous catchphrase, “It’s time to make the doughnuts,” from a 1980s ad campaign? Well, this week we’re all about doughnuts.  From books and activities for all ages to the famous Donut Trail, we share everything you need to have a spring doughnut celebration. Since we are who we […]

Newsletter – Let’s Get Building – March 27, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! This week’s newsletter is all about the word building. Dr. Christy shares the importance of building reading stamina for ourselves and our students. She also shares some colorful and musical inspirations for the new Book Bums’ building in Monroe!  We even dive into the Latin roots and discover how many English words […]

Newsletter – Spring Treasure – March 20, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! This week’s newsletter is a treasure trove of spring ideas. Dr. Christy shares the secret to growing your own Easter grass as well as her favorite toys and gifts this spring for the kids in your life. We love to hear from you! Reply to this email and share your own […]

Newsletter – The Early Bird Gets the Worm – March 13, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! Grass is greening and spring is springing here in the Cincinnati area. This week we are getting in the spirit with books and activities all about robins. These songbirds are harbingers of the new season, and we are sharing both fiction and non-fiction book recommendations, poetry, and a full morning of […]

Newsletter – Spring Forward – March 6, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! It’s that time again. Dr. Christy shares some tips and practice materials for teaching kids how to read a clock just in time to spring forward this weekend. We also share volunteer opportunities so you can join in Book Bums’ good work. Of course you’ll find all our regular features, including […]

Newsletter – Game Changers – February 27, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! The snow is melting, and we are beginning to think spring. This week in the newsletter we ponder words for spring and share some spring break tutoring updates. Dr. Christy also shares a game-changing tip for reading and spelling well. Read on and enjoy! Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; We earn […]

Newsletter – Olympic Grammar Gold – February 20, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! Have you been enjoying the Olympics? In this week’s newsletter we have some practical grammar and word roots in the Olympic spirit.  We also share book recommendations, the history of M&Ms, and an idea sure to get your kids imagining and inventing. Enjoy! Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; We earn from […]

Newsletter – Do You Want to Build a Sentence Snowman? – February 13, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter we have some fabulous reading ideas, a cute craft to teach sentence basics, and lots of word knowledge for you from roots to homophones. Have you read a book you love recently? We’d love to hear about it! Reply to this email to share any comments, […]

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

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