This week, Main Street School in Irvington, New York, took part in World Read Aloud Day in a truly inspiring way. Students and staff came together to read “Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger,” a book that tells the story of our very own Braeden Mannering.

World Read Aloud Day: Sharing Stories, Changing Lives

World Read Aloud Day, celebrated on February 5th, 2025, marks its 15th anniversary this year. This global event encourages people of all ages to read aloud and share stories, highlighting the importance of literacy and the power of storytelling. Schools, libraries, and communities worldwide participate in this day to promote reading and inspire a love for books.

Main Street School devoted a full week to “World Read Aloud Day” and ended with Braeden Mannering’s inspiring assembly on Friday morning.

From Pages to Person

After reading Braeden’s story, the students of Main Street School had an incredible opportunity. Braeden Mannering himself visited the school to speak to nearly 300 students about his journey and the importance of public service.

A Young Changemaker’s Story

If you are new to our website or new to Brae’s Brown Bags, you may not know how it all began. Braeden’s story is truly remarkable. At 9 years old, he founded Brae’s Brown Bags, a non-profit organization providing healthy snacks to homeless and low-income individuals. His initiative began after a visit to the White House, where First Lady Michelle Obama challenged him to “pay it forward.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

During his visit, Braeden shared his experiences with the students, explaining how he started his non-profit and the impact it has made. His presentation not only introduced the students to Brae’s Brown Bags but also encouraged them to think about how they can make a difference in their own communities. He was able to spend time answering many of the 4th and 5th graders’ questions.

Main Street School has a curriculum that encourages its students to be makers of change. They learn how to get involved in public service and how important it is to be active community members. Braeden was very much inspired by the many students he spoke to and by the teachers and leadership who participated in planning the event and being there to make it such a success.

Thank you for the invitation

We want to thank Principal Joyce Chapnick and Ms. Sarah Reilly, the Library Media Specialist, for organizing this inspiring event along with Braeden. It’s so cool that you brought the book to life and gave students a chance to meet a real-life hero who was their own age when he started his non-profit.

Spreading the Message Further

Braeden’s visit to Main Street School is just the beginning. Other schools interested in having Braeden speak to their students are encouraged to reach out. His youth activism and community service story will surely inspire students across the country. His next stop will be Wilmington Friends in March.

World Read Aloud Day reminds us of the power of stories to inspire, educate, and motivate. Braeden Mannering’s visit to Main Street School shows how one person’s story can come alive and inspire a whole new generation of readers and changemakers.