Literature Matters
About
MISSION
Educate, cultivate, and diversify! Through annual diverse literacy festivals and events, we connect students and authors from diverse backgrounds!
Literature Matters is working toward closing gaps in reading by promoting student’s experience with books and authors who look, and sound like them.
EVENTS
Literature Matters is a non-profit 501c3 that provides annual festival(s) and event(s), while showcasing under represented books to communities in need. Communities that lack diverse books will be supported through book distributions, keynote speaking engagements, and the arts!
Educate our community about the gap in reading and how Literature Matters can bridge the gap!
Cultivate diverse national authors, engage, and immerse their stories with communities that look like them.
Diversify strategic partnerships with organizations that promote diversity.
For more information contact info@literaturematters.org
Past Events & Coming Up!
South Texas Book Tour & Spurs Back to School Bash
This summer, Literature Matters hit the road for our South Texas Book Tour, connecting with schools, libraries, and families across multiple communities. We were honored to share diverse stories, inspire young readers, and witness the excitement of children discovering books that reflect who they are.
A highlight of the season was our collaboration with the San Antonio Spurs Back to School Bash, where we proudly donated more than 2,000 books to local students and families. Seeing children light up as they built their own home libraries reminds us why our mission matters.
We’re just getting started. Stay tuned for upcoming Literature Matters events this winter as we continue to bring diverse books, authors, and literacy experiences to communities across Texas.
Literature Matter's Story
Dr. J. Desiree Rodriguez, the founder and director of Literature Matters, has a deeply personal connection to her mission. As a child, she faced challenges with reading and was placed in a reading comprehension program in the 6th grade. Despite struggling with reading and test-taking for several years, Desiree remained determined and never let these obstacles prevent her from pursuing her dreams.
With over a decade of experience as an educator and professor, Dr. Rodriguez witnessed firsthand the significant gaps in reading skills among diverse children and college students. Her experiences fueled her passion for creating change in literacy education.
In 2021, she established Literature Matters, an organization dedicated to hosting diverse literacy festivals and events that aim to inspire children to read. Dr. Rodriguez firmly believes that when children see themselves reflected in books, it not only fosters a love for reading but also empowers them to embrace their unique stories and perspectives.
Literature Matters in the Press
