Youth demonstrate greater reading comprehension when they are provided with frequent opportunities to respond to what they read. The purpose of the Reading Cipher is to create a space for students to have meaningful discussions based on a pre-selected book. Authors participate in our Reading Ciphers and students have the opportunity to meet many of the literary icons they admire. A reading specialist facilitates the Reading Cipher, during which students can ask both the author and artist questions, as well as have their books and/or literary work signed.