From Super Bowl Champion to Literacy Champion | Malcolm Mitchell

What if readers and writers received the same attention, celebration, and investment as star athletes?

In this episode, Tricia speaks with Super Bowl champion, children's author, and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell about his new picture book, My Super Duper Me. They discuss the lasting effect of a few encouraging words, the role librarians can play in helping children see their own possibilities, and why adults should never underestimate the power of simply showing up with a positive message.

Malcolm shares his own journey from struggling reader to member of the Silverleaf Book Club, published author, and founder of Share the Magic Foundation. He explains why reading is not only an academic skill, but also a source of confidence, community, opportunity, and belonging.

The conversation also considers what schools and communities could learn from the cultural power of sports. If young people see athletes celebrated everywhere, how might their aspirations change if readers, writers, books, and libraries were made just as visible?

Malcolm also offers a candid look at his writing practice and the connection between athletic and creative training: show up, make the most of each repetition, and be willing to try again tomorrow.

In this episode:

• Why brief words of encouragement can stay with a young person
• The librarian at the heart of My Super Duper Me
• Malcolm's journey from struggling reader to passionate literacy advocate
• How a welcoming book club helped change his life
• Why reading can build confidence, connection, and belonging
• What it would mean to celebrate literacy as loudly as sports
• How educators can participate in free Share the Magic reading challenges
• What football taught Malcolm about writing, practice, and persistence

Learn more about Malcolm Mitchell, Share the Magic Foundation, and its free reading programs at readwithmalcolm.com.

We also talk about:

📚 Librarians as guides, bridges, and heroes
📚 Reading as a source of confidence, community, and belonging
📚 What schools can learn from the visibility and cultural power of sports
📚 Why creative practice is not so different from athletic training
📚 The willingness to show up and try again