When Malcolm Mitchell picks up a book these days, it’s likely to be “The Magician’s Hat”. Thanks to a donation by Atlanta attorney Ken Nugent, the University of Georgia graduate will be gifting his book to all first graders in Albany/Dougherty County and Valdosta/Lowndes County on Friday, March 25 when the two avid readers team up to support youth literacy.

Both Mitchell and Nugent will visit Jackson Heights Elementary School in Albany, and Pinevale Elementary School in Valdosta where Malcolm will speak to the students about his personal reading jour-ney, read his book, “The Magician’s Hat”, and answer questions. There will also be photo opportunities with the students as well as a magic show by Magical Mr. McClure.

“I am happy to team up with Malcolm and provide his book to all the first graders in Dougherty and Lowndes counties. I have been an avid reader all my life and a collector of books. I am proud to have “The Magician’s Hat” in my library and support the #ReadWithMalcolm youth literacy campaign,” Nugent explained.

Mitchell will also be on hand for Valdosta’s Family Fun Day at Val-dosta Middle School on Saturday, March 26 to spread the magic about his book and reading to his hometown.

“I wrote this book to show kids that there are opportunities in life beyond athletics; that it takes more than being physically skilled to thrive,” Mitchell said. “Through reading you can become whatever your heart desires. Mostly, it is to let them know that someone is there for them. This book is my chance to be much more than I imagined. A chance to be not a product of my environment, but a product of education.”

“I’m very thankful to Mr. Nugent and his generous donation that has allowed my book to be given to every first grader in Albany and Val-dosta and for his support to my #readwithmalcolm youth literacy campaign.” Mitchell added.