Our Story
Every child is already a reader.
We're here to prove it to them.
Kids Rise with Books grew out of years of grassroots literacy work in Metro Detroit. Today, we're bringing that same belief to a new home in the Greater Lansing region, while continuing the relationships that built us.
Why we exist
Many children in underserved communities grow up without a single book of their own. Not a borrowed one, not a library copy due back in three weeks. A book that belongs to them, on their own shelf, that they can return to whenever they want.
Kids Rise with Books exists to close that gap. We give books directly to children through the places they already are: hospital pediatric departments, school events, and community programs. No child has to apply, qualify, or ask twice.
What guides us
We believe reading is a right, not a reward. Every program we run is built around dignity: children choose their books, keep their books, and are trusted to become the readers they already are.
We also believe in going where the need is. As our leadership has grown, our attention has shifted toward Greater Lansing, while we keep faith with the hospitals and schools that welcomed us in Metro Detroit.
We are organized to promote childhood literacy by providing books and reading resources to children in underserved communities, fostering a lifelong love of reading and the belief that every child is a reader.Our Mission
We're officially a 501(c)(3). Kids Rise with Books is a Michigan nonprofit corporation and a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are fully tax-deductible, retroactive to May 18, 2026.
Our Founding Board
The people behind the mission
Yousef Rammaha
President
Mark Sadzikowski
Senior Advisor
Christian Pickens
Treasurer
Leon Johnson
Secretary
Want to be part of the next chapter?
We're always glad to hear from schools, hospitals, community groups, and neighbors who want to help.