Author Partnerships
Lead to Read KC brings books to life by connecting students in Reading Mentoring with local children’s authors through our author visit program. Meeting the person behind the story sparks curiosity, inspires young readers, and shows students that stories are created by real people with ideas worth sharing.
We partner with local children’s authors to provide interactive read-alouds that engage students, encourage literacy, and foster a lifelong appreciation for books and storytelling at our partner schools. Many of the authors and titles we select explore themes of identity, belonging, and emotional resilience because we believe the right book at the right moment can change how a child sees themselves and the world.
Authors
Croix Bethune
I am, I will, I can
Croix is an attacking midfielder for the Kansas City Current and the U.S. national team, and an Olympic gold medalist from the 2024 Games. In I am, I will, I can, she brings the same confidence and heart to the page, offering young people affirmations to help them dream big, trust themselves, and embrace who they are.
Nikiyah Crosdale
The Thought Jar
“My thoughts become my actions. My actions become my reality.” This powerful message about the impact of positive thinking is at the heart of Nikiyah’s book, The Thought Jar. Her interactive read-alouds include each student making their own thought jar.
Crystal Ellison
Aubri's Story: Rising Above Bullying
Crystal is an attorney, U.S. Air Force JAG officer, entrepreneur, and founder of Serenity Infinity Books. Inspired by her daughter, Bri’Yah Aubrielle, Aubri’s Story: Rising Above Bullying encourages children to face bullying with courage, kindness, and confidence. “My hope is that every child who reads this book knows their worth, never lets anyone dim their light, embraces what makes them uniquely amazing, and rises above bullying.”
Chris Goode
Ruby Jean's Garden
Chris is a passionate entrepreneur and the founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery restaurants (named in honor of Goode’s grandmother) that focus on healthy living. “It’s a great blessing that these words have made their way through my soul onto the pages of Ruby Jean’s Garden and now into the ears of our children.”
Kristen Heath
We're All Weird!
Kristen’s colorful and energetic book We’re All Weird encourages inclusivity, kindness and respect by reminding children to look past what they see on the outside and accept those around them by embracing the weird. “I hope every child who reads my book feels empowered to be their authentic, weird little selves!”
Vladimir Sainte
It Will Be Okay / Just Like A Hero
Vladimir is a licensed clinical social worker who has partnered with Lead to Read KC since 2018. His book It Will Be Okay brings a message of hope about overcoming bullying, anxiety and fear. Just Like a Hero teaches personal values and challenges negative thoughts.
JQ Sirls
Big Blue
At seven, JQ made a promise: no child would ever feel invisible in the stories that shape them. He became an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, software engineer, animator, music producer, choreographer, performer, and entrepreneur — collecting skills like keys to doors that were locked. His book Big Blue is a heartwarming tale about never giving up on your dreams, no matter how big they are or how long they take to find you.
Online Read-Alouds
“Recently, author Nikiyah Crosdale came to read The Thought Jar with our second-grade classes and taught them about the very important skill of thinking positive thoughts. I keep a copy of the book in my office, and many kids light up when they recognize it.
One student who struggles with positive thinking has made significant improvement since being introduced to the book. This student will proudly tell me, ‘I decided I am going to have a great day’ just like the character in Nikiyah’s book did.'”
Get Involved
We need you! There are so many ways to be part of the solution to our community’s literacy crisis. Choose to give your time or resources to Lead to Read KC.