Nationwide — LaDonna N. Smith, a Black mother, children’s book author, and educator from Amsterdam, New York, is on a mission to change the way children experience reading. Through her family-owned literacy organization, We Lit Academy, and its mobile bookstore, The Lit Bus, Smith is bringing books, representation, and innovative literacy experiences directly into schools, neighborhoods, and communities. With a mission to “Make Reading Lit Again,” Smith is challenging the idea that reading must be limited to traditional classrooms, quiet libraries, and routine assignments. Instead, she is creating experiences that combine books with music, games, interactive challenges, author visits, and family-centered entertainment, making literacy something children can look forward to.
At the center of the movement is The Lit Bus, a converted school bus transformed into a mobile children’s bookstore designed to make discovering books an adventure. While traditional school buses transport children to school, The Lit Bus transports them into the world of stories, offering a carefully selected collection of children’s literature and opportunities to discover new authors and explore books that reflect their interests. But The Lit Bus is more than a bookstore on wheels. It is part of Smith’s larger vision to rethink how literacy is presented to children, particularly those who may not identify as enthusiastic readers. Through themed literacy celebrations, book challenges, music-driven events, creative workshops, and educational enrichment programs, We Lit Academy connects reading with activities children already enjoy.
Recognizing that books compete with countless forms of digital entertainment for children’s attention, Smith’s approach focuses on making reading engaging without compromising its educational value. Rather than replacing traditional instruction, these experiences complement it by encouraging curiosity, participation, and positive connections with books. Smith’s vision extends beyond the mobile bookstore. We Lit Academy also operates a children’s bookstore and literacy program in Amsterdam, New York, emphasizing diverse literature, independent authors, and educational experiences that inspire lifelong reading habits.
As a Black-owned, family-operated business, the bookstore represents both an entrepreneurial milestone and a commitment to expanding representation in children’s literature. Smith, who holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on curriculum design and instruction, draws on her experience working with children and developing educational programs to create meaningful literacy opportunities. She also comes from a family of authors, with her children contributing their own published stories. This personal connection to writing and publishing has helped shape the organization’s dedication to ensuring that young readers encounter books reflecting diverse identities, cultures, and experiences.
For Black children especially, stories featuring characters who look like them, share familiar experiences, and pursue ambitious dreams can reinforce a sense of belonging. At the same time, diverse literature introduces all children to perspectives beyond their own. We Lit Academy supports this mission by highlighting independent authors whose stories may not receive the visibility of traditionally published books. A defining feature of the organization is its commitment to making literacy interactive. Programs connect reading with music, sports, creative arts, financial literacy, and community engagement through book clubs, reading challenges, author experiences, and hands-on activities.
Among these initiatives is Battle of the Books, an interactive literacy competition that combines friendly competition with reading comprehension, teamwork, and engagement. Through its Books & Basketball programming, We Lit Academy also connects literacy with sports, demonstrating that learning and entertainment can work together to inspire young readers. The Lit Bus further advances the organization’s mission by addressing access to books and literacy opportunities. Not every community has a neighborhood bookstore, and not every family can regularly attend literacy events. By bringing books directly to schools, festivals, family programs, and community gatherings, the mobile bookstore creates additional opportunities for children to discover stories and connect with authors.
Its mobility also opens the door for collaborations with educators, community organizations, businesses, and independent authors seeking creative ways to support literacy. These partnerships are an important part of Smith’s vision for building communities where reading is visible, accessible, and celebrated. For Smith, We Lit Academy represents more than a business venture. It is a family-centered mission rooted in education, authorship, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. As a mother and children’s author, she has involved her children in storytelling and publishing, building a family legacy centered on literacy and creativity.
That experience has shaped her desire to help young people see themselves not only as readers but also as future writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Through books and engaging experiences, We Lit Academy encourages children to recognize possibilities extending far beyond the pages of a story. As the organization continues developing its programs and community partnerships, Smith remains focused on making literacy more accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant for children and families. We Lit Academy welcomes collaborations with schools, educators, authors, businesses, and community organizations that share its commitment to inspiring the next generation of readers.
At the heart of the movement is a simple belief: reading should be celebrated, not simply assigned. By transforming literacy into something children can see, hear, touch, explore, and enjoy, Smith and her family are working to change how young readers connect with books. With a children’s bookstore, a mobile literacy experience, and innovative educational programming, We Lit Academy is demonstrating that reading can be more than an academic skill.
About We Lit Academy
We Lit Academy is a Black-owned, family-operated children’s bookstore and literacy organization based in Amsterdam, New York. Founded by educator and children’s author LaDonna N. Smith, the organization promotes literacy through diverse children’s literature, interactive reading programs, author experiences, community events, and The Lit Bus mobile bookstore. Its mission is to Make Reading Lit Again by creating engaging and accessible literacy experiences for children, families, and communities. Visit the website at WeLitAcademy.com
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About LaDonna N. Smith
LaDonna N. Smith is an award-winning author, educator, literacy advocate, and entrepreneur redefining how children and families experience reading. She is the founder of We Lit Academy, We Lit Children’s Bookstore, and The Lit Bus, a mobile bookstore bringing innovative literacy experiences directly into communities. Her work spans children’s literature, education, publishing, and community engagement, with a focus on expanding access to diverse books and creating meaningful connections between children and reading. As an author and mother of four published young creatives, Smith is building a family legacy rooted in literacy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling while leading a growing movement to Make Reading Lit Again.
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