LITERACY LEAP INITIATIVE

Hi, I’m Dee Write, creator of the Little Ruth Children’s Collection and author of the Little Ruth book series. 

I’ve always believed that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. That’s why I’m teaming up with Universally, Inc. to launch The Literacy Leap, a joint initiative dedicated to distributing  books that elevate diverse protagonists so that every child can see themselves, their families, and community members in their books and learning materials.  With your help, we’re aiming to raise $75,000 to provide 5,000 books plus curricula and author visits to children in schools across America, starting with schools in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (the DMV).  

That’s not all!  During the 2024–25 school year, we’re starting with the DMV and the Little Ruth book series.  Then, in 2025–26, we will expand our positive representation of main characters featured in our Collection plus double the communities we serve by expanding The Literacy Leap Initiative to other states.  When you donate, you bring the positive representation of Ruth Campbell and her family to students in the DMV,  plus you build a foundation for us to create more inclusive series starring, Little Ruth’s brother Timmy and her friends——Rose Mei Gui Liu, Sofia Morales; and Zoey, a friend whose family background reflects the melting pot of interracial diversity in America.

This project is close to my heart and, believe me, we’re just getting started.   So, join me, and let’s inspire a generation of readers through stories that reflect their worlds.

To DONATE, click “PICK YOUR PERK” on the top righthand side of your screen. 

What We Need & What You Get

We’re looking to raise $75,000 to fully fund the Literacy Leap initiative, which will cover the costs of book production, curriculum development, and school visits.

Here’s how your support will help:

Change Champions: Custom contributions in amounts between $1-$949 will support every effort to bring the Little Ruth experience into schools.

Little Learners Legacy: $20 provides a book to one child.

School Spirit Sponsor 1: $950 sponsors an author visit for a reading and equips an entire classroom with books and a curriculum designed to foster understanding and growth.

School Spirit Sponsor 2: $1500 sponsors two classroom visits from the author with a reading and equips both classrooms with books and curriculum.

School Spirit Sponsor 3: $2050 sponsors three classroom visits from the author with readings in each classroom, as well as books and curriculum.

Author’s Assembly: $6500 brings the author to a school assembly for a reading with 300 books for the students.

Literacy Leader: $2500 is a comprehensive support package to help make further contributions toward engaging literacy experiences.

Educational Visionary: $5000 for ultimate support and outreach to support the mission and vision of this initiative.

The Impact
The Literacy Leap is about more than just books—it’s about giving children access to stories that reflect their own lives and communities. Studies show that when children read books with characters that mirror their experiences, they develop stronger self-esteem, better emotional intelligence, and a deeper love for learning. By supporting this campaign, you’re helping to transform the educational experience for thousands of children, ensuring that their voices and stories are heard. We’re committed to making this initiative a success and have the experience and partnerships in place to make a real difference.

Risks & Challenges
Scaling this project to deliver 5,000 books, complete with curriculum and school visits, isn’t without challenges. Logistics, timing, and coordination with schools are some of the hurdles we might face. However, Universally, Inc. and I have a strong team and robust plans in place to manage these challenges. In the event of delays or obstacles, we will communicate openly with our supporters and work diligently to meet our commitments.

Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you’re unable to contribute financially, you can still make a big impact by sharing our story. Spread the word about the Literacy Leap with your friends, family, and networks. Use the Indiegogo share tools to help us reach as many people as possible. Together, we can make sure these books find their way into the hands of the children who need them most.

Thank you so much for your support! Let’s leap into action and change lives, one book at a time.

Join us as we empower students & improve literacy across the DMV!