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 Academy
Young 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.
For the youngest readers
Children's Books · Ages 3–12
Braylen the Bear
& Friends
by Manswell T. Peterson
Warm, character-driven picture books that introduce the youngest readers to big heart, gentle lessons, and the joy of turning a page. The perfect first doorway into a lifetime of reading.
The Founders
Educators. Authors. Advocates.
CEO & Founder
Dr. Latonya M. Peterson
Albany, GA · Educator · Author · Advocate
Born and raised in Albany, Georgia, Dr. Latonya M. Peterson is the CEO and Founder of Reading Is Lit, Inc. — a nonprofit dedicated to literacy, effective creative writing, and professional development for ELA educators.
She has spent nearly two decades in higher education, currently serving as a Criminal Justice Professor at American InterContinental University while also teaching Business, Management, and Leadership as an adjunct professor. Her career spans roles as a Student Services Director, Victim's Advocate, and Business Developer in academia.
With her husband, Manswell T. Peterson, she has written ten children's books in the Braylen the Bear and Friends series — inspired by their youngest son, Braylen. The series supports social-emotional learning, celebrates adventure, and is read in several languages across the world.
- ✦18 years teaching
- ✦10 children's books authored
- ✦Educational & community board member
- ✦Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- ✦Mother of Manswell II & Braylen
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
Georgia · Author · Screenwriter · Veteran
Georgia-based writer Manswell T. Peterson is Co-Founder of Reading Is Lit and the author taking the paranormal genre by storm. In bringing the Locrottum Universe to life, he became the first African American male author to create an entire universe in paranormal fiction.
Manswell has been writing professionally since 2008, authored more than 70 books, and developed screenplays for dozens of movies and television shows. His work spans ages and genres: the Locrottum Academy series for young adults, the fantasy series Charmcasters for ages 11 and up, and the beloved Braylen the Bear and Friends picture books co-authored with his wife.
A Disabled U.S. Navy Veteran and former Department Chair and Instructor of Criminal Justice at Darton State College, Manswell is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- ✦70+ books authored
- ✦Screenplays for film & television
- ✦Locrottum Universe creator
- ✦Disabled U.S. Navy Veteran
- ✦Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- ✦Father of Manswell II & Braylen
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
Interviews and stories covering the work, the books, and the communities we serve.
WALB News · On Air
Dialogue with Karla · Sept 2023
Author Manswell T. Peterson on Dragon Con 2023 & his newest release.
This Week's Dialogue · Nov 2025
Food insecure areas in Southwest Georgia assisted by newly launched mobile feeding unit.
Read on WALB →Dialogue · Dec 2022
The heart behind the organization: Braylen the Bear & Friends.
Watch on WALB →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.