Let’s Talk About It Tuesday: How One 9-Year-Old Is Changing Literacy Through Popcorn and Books

In today’s Let’s Talk About It Tuesday, we’re highlighting a powerful story of youth leadership, literacy, and purpose. What started as a concern about third-grade reading levels has grown into a nonprofit impacting hundreds of families and thousands of children’s books distributed around the world. This is the story of Popcorn and Books.

Where It All Began

The inspiration behind Popcorn and Books started with a newsletter. It stated that if third graders were not reading on grade level, they would be required to repeat the third grade. That statistic sparked curiosity and concern.
Karter began researching the issue and discovered two major contributing factors:

1. A lack of books in the home
2. Not having someone to read with

Instead of simply acknowledging the problem, he decided to become part of the solution.

A Vision at Just 9 Years Old

Karter is now 14 years old, but he launched Popcorn and Books when he was just 9. What makes this story even more powerful is that his mission wasn’t driven by obligation, it was driven by love. As an avid reader who began reading at the age of 2, Karter understood firsthand how transformative books could be. He wanted other children to experience that same joy and opportunity.

The Mission Behind Popcorn and Books

Popcorn and Books is a literacy company dedicated to encouraging kids to read more and most importantly, to enjoy reading. Through the “Build A Kid’s Library” program, the organization sends high-quality, age-appropriate books to children ages 5–10 in Detroit, Michigan and surrounding areas once a month at no cost to families. But the mission goes beyond just sending books. To address the second issue, not having someone to read with, Karter created “The Build Your Kid’s Library” reading show. Through this platform, he reads books aloud, highlights great additions to children’s home libraries, and shows kids that reading can be fun, exciting, and empowering.

How the Program Works

Families register for the Popcorn and Books program. Once enrolled, children receive books each month to help grow their personal home library. Funding is raised through community donations, partnerships, and collaborations with self-published children’s authors who want their stories placed directly into the hands of young readers. Each month, books are packaged and mailed directly to families. For many children, it becomes a moment of excitement, running to the mailbox to receive “happy mail” filled with new stories waiting to be explored.

The Impact So Far

Popcorn and Books has served over 150 families and donated more than 4,000 books,  including 250 books sent to Ghana. What began as a response to a newsletter has grown into a movement that crosses neighborhoods and even borders.

A TEDx Moment That Changed Everything

One of the most meaningful milestones came when Karter launched the nonprofit on a TEDx stage at just 10 years old. Standing in front of a large audience to present the mission was powerful, but the impact that followed was even greater. Because of that opportunity, the organization raised enough funding to provide books to 75 children every single month. That moment proved something important: when young voices are given a platform, real change can follow.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Like many small nonprofits, Popcorn and Books has faced challenges,  especially wearing many hats. From organizing book orders and coordinating deliveries to managing social media, fundraising, and communicating with families, the work requires resilience. Through it all, the journey has taught valuable lessons in time management, leadership, systems-building, and perseverance.

How It’s Changed Karter

Starting a nonprofit has expanded Karter’s exposure to different genres and authors, deepening his love for reading. It has also helped him develop practical business skills, public speaking, leadership, fundraising, and responsibility. More importantly, it has shown him that his voice has power and that he can use it to create meaningful impact.

Looking Ahead

The future vision for Popcorn and Books is rooted in community. The goal is to reach more local families, build partnerships with schools and neighborhood organizations, and host hands-on literacy events that bring parents and children together around books. Long term, the dream is to build a strong village of supporters who believe every child deserves access to books, and the opportunity to fall in love with reading.
Because reading builds confidence.
Reading improves academic success.
Reading expands imagination.
Reading opens doors. And every child deserves the key.
To learn more or support the mission: Website: popcornandbooks.com
YouTube: YouTube.com/popcornandbooks
Instagram: Instagram.com/popcornandbooks
Facebook: Facebook.com/popcorn_n_books

Let’s talk about it..

How can we each play a role in building stronger readers and stronger communities?