Royals help foster love of literacy with kids at The K
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - When you see a line forming at the gate at the K, you would assume it’s for a game. But on Friday, kids and their families are there to read.
Last year, the Kansas City Royals and Royals Foundation launched the Royals Literacy League to build excitement and literacy in elementary-aged kids at public schools in Kansas City. Only 23% of public and charter third graders read at grade level, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“We want to do our part to help students achieve their highest potential,” said Amy Gale, the Royals Foundation Executive Director. “Whatever we can do as the Royals to help support that, we want to be part of the solution.”
The organization had a little help: popular book character Pigeon made a guest appearance to read to the kids on the field.
“Going down on a Major League Baseball field is not something people get to do often or ever,” said Gale. “Being able to bring students and their families down onto the field is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but them to bring them together to do a read aloud and to center it around literacy is just something extra special. Of course, having Pigeon here to read aloud his own book is going to be absolutely incredible.”
The Royals Literacy League is partners with 9 Kansas City public and charter schools. Students, their families, and educators from those schools were able to sit in the outfield and read The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog before enjoying a meal and taking a few free books home.
“I don’t think I’ll forever forget this moment,” said Jordyn Rozell, a 5th grader. “Having this experience was really fun.”
Asha Moore, the assistant principal at the Academy for Integrated Arts, says literacy is an important investment and she’s happy her kids get to have this experience.
“To develop that love for reading, we know that is just going to transform their lives forever,” said Moore. “My favorite part of the event is seeing the joy on the students’ faces coming on the field, receiving free books, seeing all the stations they get to visit.”
The Royals say Pigeon will be back at the K on September 5 for ‘Pigeon Night.’ Tickets are available now.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
