Story Stops
Story Stops help kids both experience reading everywhere and learn about their city.
Exploring Boston Through Story Stops
Story Stops are an exciting new way for children and families to experience reading all around the City of Boston. These interactive, place-based literacy installations pair engaging stories with Boston landmarks, activities, and neighborhoods, turning the city into a storybook!
Each Story Stop features a short, themed story that is specifically written with text that supports early readers as they build foundational reading skills. Whether it’s a tale set in Moakley Park, Boston Public Market, or in one of the city’s many gardens, each story connects literacy to the lived experiences of Boston’s children and their communities.
How it Works
- Visit a designated Story Stop location across Boston
- Look for a colorful poster featuring the Story Stop logo
- Scan the QR code or follow the URL link to access the digital version of the story on your phone or tablet
- Read together on-site or revisit the story later from home!
Story Stops
All Through My City
A story about a boy and his uncle exploring Boston
The Power of Water at Moakley Park
Learn about the water cycle through Boston's Moakley Park!
Rafael Hernández: Sounds of Hope
Read about Rafael Hernández, the namesake of the Roxbury K-8 school
Where We Live: Boston, Massachusetts Book 1
Read about Boston's early history from the pre-colonial period to the 1900s
Where We Live: Boston Expands Book 2
Learn about Boston's history from the early 20th century to the present
Meet Ekua Holmes
A short story about esteemed artist and community activist, Ekua Holmes
Margarita Lives Her Dreams
A story about Margarita Muñiz, a renowned school principal and leader in the Boston community
The Wonders of Pollination
Read about the magical process of pollination
Places for Pollinators in Boston
Read about the places in Boston where pollinators thrive!
Claire Visits the Boston Public Market
Read this fun story about a girl and her dad visiting the Boston Public Market
Neighborhoods in Boston
Read an informative story about the many neighborhoods in Boston!
Jeri Robinson: A Leader in Boston Education
Read about Jeri Robinson's life and work as a Boston educator
Boston Firefighters: Heroes in Our Neighborhoods
Read this story about how firefighters work together to keep Bostonians safe!
Story Stops Map
Why Story Stops?
Story Stops foster a love of reading through movement, discovery, and fun. By embedding stories in the city’s public spaces and tying literacy to everyday experiences, we are making reading more accessible and culturally relevant. Through our collaboration with Boston Public Library and Countdown to Kindergarten, we are ensuring that our texts are developmentally appropriate for our youngest learners, reinforcing the skills that children need in order to become confident, independent readers.
