What is now a nationally recognized book, tour and movement began as a Longwood University student’s idea.

Kathryn Starke, a Longwood alum and founder of “Tackle Reading,” is working to improve literacy rates across America, one book at a time. The book has stories from more than 45 writers. Some of the stories in the book are written by well-known names such as NFL athletes, authors, literacy leaders, celebrities and educational organizations.

Her program is meant to help students, parents and teachers by providing lesson plans, activities and guidance by literacy leaders. Previously, Starke wrote “Amy’s Travels,” which is used in schools in more than 20 countries. The Latin Ballet of Virginia even turned it into a musical recently.

Though Starke has not lived in Farmville since attending Longwood, she has continued to be inspired by her time in this area.

“In my position as a national urban literacy specialist, I’ve had the opportunity to return to Farmville to present at the Longwood Literacy Institute, Virginia Children’s Book Festival and speak at the Farmville chapter of educational fraternity Alpha Delta Kappa,” she said.

Starke earned a Bachelor’s of Science in liberal studies and elementary education and returned to Longwood later for her Master Degree in literacy and culture.

At Longwood, Starke was freshman class secretary, sophomore class president, a part of Mortar Board and member of Kappa Delta Pi Educational Fraternity.

“Some of my favorite people today are fellow Longwood Lancers, especially fellow teachers,” said Starke. “In my position today as a national literacy consultant, I can say without reservation that Longwood still graduates the finest teachers for Virginia public schools.”

One of Starke’s former professors and the current dean of the college of graduate and professional studies at Longwood, Dr. Jeannine Perry, inspired Starke to move forward with her passion for the classroom. Perry is also a contributing writer for “Tackle Reading.”

“She has inspired and supported me so much in and out of school,” Starke said.

She said the executive director of a non-profit organization called Reach Out and Read Virginia contributed to the book. The group provides books and supports literacy for children ages 0-5 along with their families and serves Prince Edward and Buckingham counties. 

DonorsChoose.org also contributed a story, Starke said, explaining it is a non-profit organization with a platform for donors to provide books, materials and supplies directly to public school teachers.

Starke also said major corporations, like Geico, have sponsored the project in order to donate thousands of copies of Tackle Reading in inner-city schools across the country.

To learn more about Starke and her program, visit www.creativemindspublications.com.