Books for Keeps and former UGA wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell are launching a partnership to ignite a passion for reading in Athens students.

Together, Mitchell and the Athens-based nonprofit plan to provide a copy of Mitchell’s book, The Magician’s Hat, to every first-grade student in the Clarke County School District this spring. Read with Malcolm and Books for Keeps are working together to raise the funds necessary to provide books to all 1,200 first-grade students in Clarke County this May – a $15,000 fundraising endeavor – and are calling on the community’s support.

“The only boundaries are those we create for ourselves,” Mitchell said. “I truly believe that books give kids the opportunity to reach their full potential, to expand their minds and accomplish all of their goals.” ”

Mitchell published his book after discovering and nurturing a love for reading while he was a student-athlete at The University of Georgia. After struggling to improve his own reading level, he joined a book club and was overwhelmed by the way that reading united him with other people and sharpened his focus – even making him a better football player. He has since embarked on a mission to share that sense of magic and empowerment with children all over Georgia.

“Working with Malcolm is a dream come true,” said Leslie Hale, executive director of Books for Keeps. “His story encapsulates Books for Keeps’ efforts to get high-quality, exciting books into the hands of children who otherwise would not have access. Malcolm is living proof of something that might sound cliché: that books have the power to change lives. That’s why his story and his example are so powerful among the children we serve.”

Books for Keeps is providing the seed funding for a purchase of 1,200 copies of The Magician’s Hat. With the help of Mitchell and his Read with Malcolm organization, the nonprofit is seeking to raise the additional $15,000 necessary for the purchase before May 1. Donations may be made at www.booksforkeeps.org or by check sent to Books for Keeps, P.O. Box 49761, Athens, GA  30604.