01
School Read-Aloud Visits
In-classroom read-alouds that model fluent reading, spark discussion, and turn a school day into a story kids remember.
Reading Is Lit · Est. Georgia
N°01
Closing Georgia's literacy gap, one reader at a time.
Nonprofit · 501(c)(3) mission
A Georgia Literacy Movement · 2020 —
Literacyis a birthright.
Reading Is Lit is a Georgia nonprofit closing the state's literacy gap — through school visits, community programs, and the quiet, radical work of putting the right book into the right hands.
62%
of Georgia third-graders are not yet reading proficiently.
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Reading Is Lit, Inc. exists because literacy is not a luxury — it is the door every other door opens through. We partner with schools, libraries, churches, businesses, and community organizations to bring the joy of reading into classrooms, living rooms, and neighborhoods.
From a first read-aloud in kindergarten to an adult who finally reads a bedtime story to her grandchild, our work follows readers across a lifetime — without slogan, without shortcut, and without leaving anyone behind.
A child who reads becomes an adult who thinks.
A community that reads becomes a community that changes.
Why Literacy Matters in Georgia
The gap is real.
So is the work.
Statewide assessments continue to reveal how many Georgia students reach third and fourth grade without the reading fluency that unlocks every other subject. These aren't abstract numbers — they are children waiting on all of us.
Join the Work0%
of Georgia third-graders are not yet reading proficiently.
2024 Georgia Milestones
0%
of Georgia fourth-graders read below proficient.
NAEP, 2022
Georgia continues to prioritize statewide literacy improvement through evidence-based reading instruction and educator support. Reading Is Lit stands alongside that work — in classrooms, community centers, and homes.
What We Offer
Programs designed for real classrooms and real communities.
Eight distinct engagements — from a single school read-aloud to a multi-year district partnership — each shaped around the readers and educators we serve.
02
Author Visits
Assemblies and small-group sessions with Dr. Latonya M. Peterson and Manswell T. Peterson — writers who look like the readers they inspire.
03
Professional Development
Practical, research-informed workshops for ELA teachers and school teams building a stronger culture of literacy.
04
Adult Literacy Programs
Community-based instruction that meets adults where they are — with dignity, patience, and evidence-based methods.
05
Community Literacy Events
Public read-alouds, book fairs, and family nights hosted with libraries, churches, and civic partners.
06
Family Literacy Engagement
Tools and gatherings that put books into the hands of parents and caregivers — because reading begins at home.
07
Bulk Book Purchases
Stock a classroom, library, or event with titles from the Reading Is Lit catalog. Bulk pricing available.
08
Community Partnerships
Long-term collaborations with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and faith communities to build a lasting reading culture.
Featured · Proof of the Mission
Braylen the Bear & Friends
A series by Dr. Latonya M. Peterson & Manswell T. Peterson
An award-winning children's series that teaches social-emotional learning, kindness, and confidence through the adventures of Braylen the Bear and his friends — translated into multiple languages and reaching young readers around the world.
- ✦Award-winning children's series
- ✦Social-emotional learning
- ✦Kindness, courage, confidence
- ✦Translated into multiple languages
- ✦Read by children worldwide
- ✦A cornerstone of the RIL library
The Manswell T. Peterson Library
Two worlds. One author.
Every book Manswell T. Peterson writes returns readers to the same truth that founded this nonprofit: a great story can change a young life.
Paranormal Fiction · Adult
The Locrottum Universe
by Manswell T. Peterson
A groundbreaking, interconnected paranormal literary universe — establishing Manswell T. Peterson among the first African American male authors to build a fictional world of this scale.
A YA gateway into the universe
Locrottum AcademyYoung Adult · Ages 13+
The YA gateway into the Locrottum world — adventure, mystery, and imagination written to pull teenage readers deep into a universe built for them.
Also from the same author
Middle Grade Fantasy · Ages 11+
Charmcasters
by Manswell T. Peterson
A middle-grade fantasy adventure designed to build imagination, courage, and a lifelong love of reading.
The Founders
Educators. Authors. Advocates.
CEO & Co-Founder
Dr. Latonya M. Peterson
Educator · Author · Literacy Advocate
Dr. Latonya M. Peterson leads Reading Is Lit as CEO and Co-Founder, bringing the perspective of a lifelong educator to the work of building stronger readers, stronger classrooms, and stronger communities.
Literacy is the door every other door opens through — and no child should be standing on the wrong side of it.
Co-Founder & Author
Manswell T. Peterson
Author · Storyteller · Community Advocate
Manswell T. Peterson is Co-Founder of Reading Is Lit and the author behind the Braylen the Bear children's series, the Locrottum Universe, Locrottum Academy, and Charmcasters — a body of work spanning early readers to young adults, and among the first African American male-built interconnected paranormal literary universes.
Every story I write is meant to hand a child the same key a story once handed me.
Who We Partner With
The reading movement is bigger than any one classroom.
- 01Public & Private Schools
- 02School Districts
- 03Public Libraries
- 04Universities
- 05Churches & Faith Communities
- 06Nonprofit Organizations
- 07Corporate & Civic Partners
- 08Sororities & Fraternities
Partner With Reading Is Lit
Bring the movement
into your community.
Whether you're an educator, librarian, faith leader, funder, or civic partner — we'd love to hear how we can serve your readers. Tell us a little about your community, and we'll be in touch.
- Organization
- Reading Is Lit, Inc.
- Focus
- Literacy for children, adults & families
In the Press
Featured on WALB News
WALB News · On Air
Dialogue with Karla · Sept 2023
Author Manswell T. Peterson on Dragon Con 2023 & his newest release.
Support the Mission
Fund a reader.
Every dollar puts books into the hands of children, funds classroom visits, and expands the reach of the Reading Is Lit library. Contributions are accepted through the channels below.