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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 – 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! […]

Newsletter – Welcome 2026! – January 2, 2026

Hello Book Bums families! I once taught a book called Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess which includes a main character named Iris. Iris believes that if you love something, you should love it extravagantly. We are bringing that feeling to this week’s newsletter with our Word of the Week, ideas for beginning the new year […]

Newsletter – Happy Holidays from Book Bums – December 26, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! We sincerely hope you’re enjoying many splendid moments with your loved ones over the holidays and that you’ll remember them fondly for years to come. I’m not sure about you, but I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions. I don’t even resolve to read a particular number of books as […]

Newsletter – Hot, Hot, Hot! – December 19, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! We hope you enjoy your winter break and have lots of time for family, friends, and good books! This week we’re thinking about a favorite holiday beverage – hot chocolate. To get you in the mood, enjoy this musical clip from The Polar Express.  We also have a creative last minute […]

Newsletter – Winter Read-a-thon – December 12, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! We hope our local friends are staying warm in the cold and snowy weather. This week in the newsletter we share some suggestions for cozy reading as well as Christmas card ideas and some seasonal punctuation tips. From Jane Austen to Santa there’s something good inside. Bookbums.com is an Amazon Associate; […]

Newsletter – Snowflakes – December 5, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Did you know that the practice of cutting paper snowflakes for decorations dates back to the Victorian era? The beginning of our knowledge about snowflakes’ shape and structure goes back even further, to the 17th century. In our house, we enjoy making snowflakes and hanging them on windows to create a […]

Newsletter – Welcome December – November 28, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! As we welcome December, our newsletter this week has ideas for bringing reading and writing into your holiday preparations and celebrations. We share a gingerbread house reading nook, ideas for letters to Santa and thank yous at school, and even some word nerd knowledge about Christmas trees. Do you have a […]

Newsletter – Turkey Time – November 21, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Happy Thanksgiving! Of course you know that turkey is the traditional main course of this holiday. Have you ever noticed the English idioms (expressions that are understood, but not taken literally) that have to do with turkey? When you want to get right to the point you can talk turkey. If […]

Newsletter – Fall Foxes – November 14, 2025

Hello Book Bums families! Here at Book Bums we draw inspiration from all kinds of people, places, and things. This week we are thinking about Taylor Swift songs, coffee shops, simple notebooks, and new picture books. What are you reading and thinking about these days? We love to hear from you, and you can always […]

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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