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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.
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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 – 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, […]

Newsletter – Welcome February! – February 6, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! As February begins, we are thinking about hope, because teaching and writing are all about hope for the future. This week in the newsletter we share two books that have inspired Dr. Christy in different ways, and we reflect on the work of Book Bums and the families we serve. We […]

Newsletter – Snow Days and Inspiration – January 30, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! We hope you have been staying warm and well-supplied with books during this snowy, cold winter. Whether you’re ready to start thinking of summer or stay on a cozy couch with your kiddos, we have ideas for you this week. Dr. Christy also shares a classroom success story to warm your […]

Newsletter – Let it Snow – January 23, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! Games and puzzles are a fun way to build language skills.  As the snow returns to Cincinnati this weekend, try some snowy word games. Write out the letters of snowflake, and then see how many smaller words your family can build with those letters. Or choose some common words associated with snow and […]

Newsletter – Hibernation Time – January 16, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! It’s cold outside again here in Cincinnati, so it’s the perfect time to share a book about hibernation and learn about sleep words  We’re also thinking about libraries and building our own reading lists. We hope you’re staying warm and enjoying this week’s newsletter! Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; We earn […]

Newsletter – Reading Buddies – January 9, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter we’re working on building the good habit of reading! Dr. Christy shares an idea for starting a buddy read with a friend as well as a fun way to enjoy and remember the books your kids read. Keep reading for some exciting Book Bums news! Enjoy! […]

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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