More than 1,600 middle school students from across Wayne County gathered this week for an unforgettable experience as part of Literacy for Kids’ annual event series. The program, which took place at the iconic Music Hall Detroit and the Detroit Public Library, brought students from 10 schools in Detroit, Hamtramck, Redford, and Harper Woods together to meet acclaimed authors Matt de la Peña, Soman Chainani, and Kelly Baptist.
The event was a celebration of their contributions to Flying Lessons and Other Stories, an anthology that encourages young readers to explore their imaginations and discover the power of storytelling.
The lively and inspiring event aimed to inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers, emphasizing the value of reading, writing, and creative expression. For many students, this was the first time meeting published authors face-to-face, making the experience all the more special. The students were not only given the opportunity to engage with the authors during a panel discussion, but also received signed copies of Flying Lessons and Other Stories, which had been integrated into their classroom curriculum in the weeks leading up to the event.
Sitting in the spotlight on stage, the three authors shared their personal journeys into the world of literature, offering insights into what inspired them to become writers. The conversation was moderated by Joel Fluent Greene, a celebrated Detroit-based poet, author, and spoken-word artist who helped guide the panel through discussions on creative process, overcoming challenges, and the importance of perseverance in writing.
Matt de la Peña, the Newbery Award-winning author of books like Last Stop on Market Street and Carmen’s World, praised the Literacy for Kids initiative, calling it one of the most impressive literacy programs in the country. “Literacy for Kids is doing incredible work,” said de la Peña. “The organization has created a platform that not only introduces students to accomplished authors but also helps them realize that they too can become writers and storytellers. It’s programs like this that keep literature alive for young minds.”
The event wasn’t just about authors speaking to students; it was also about listening to them. After the authors read excerpts from the anthology, the students had the chance to ask questions and engage in lively discussions. Many asked the authors about their writing habits, what it takes to get published, and how they deal with rejection—topics that resonated with the students as they considered their own dreams of becoming writers or creators.
Jayne M. Rose-Vallee, the founder and president of Literacy for Kids, spoke about the significance of bringing such a high caliber of talent to Detroit and Wayne County. “These nationally recognized authors exemplify Literacy for Kids’ mission,” she said. “They are passionate about getting young people excited about reading and writing. Through programs like this, we’re able to provide students with access to world-class creative talent, which in turn helps them develop their own passion for storytelling. It’s an experience they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
The authors’ presence and their interaction with the students exemplified the core values of Literacy for Kids: promoting literacy, imagination, and the power of poetry. The nonprofit organization, founded in 2019, is dedicated to teaching children to recognize the art in reading and writing. Its mission is to provide young people with the resources and inspiration to develop their creative abilities and reach their full potential as thinkers and writers.
The panel discussion, which also featured a live poetry performance from Greene, captivated the audience with its combination of storytelling, humor, and heartfelt advice. By the end of the event, it was clear that the students had walked away inspired—not only by the authors themselves but also by the possibilities of what they could achieve with their own voices and creativity.
For Literacy for Kids, this event was just one of many in its ongoing efforts to support students in Detroit and across Wayne County. With a goal to inspire young minds and encourage a lifelong love of reading and writing, the program continues to grow, offering more opportunities for students to engage with authors, poets, and storytellers from all walks of life.
As the event wrapped up, students clutched their signed copies of Flying Lessons and Other Stories, buzzing with excitement about the new ideas and perspectives they had gained. For many of them, the day served as a reminder that reading and writing are gateways to a world of possibilities—one where they can create, imagine, and ultimately change the world through their words.
