At 11-years-old, this Detroit author is helping kids see themselves in his stories

In a classroom filled with elementary school students, the energy shifts when George Latham IV begins to read. To close out March – National Reading Month – Latham wrapped his fourth annual “March is Reading Month Book Tour,” at Clinton Township’s Tenniswood Elementary. 

The 11-year-old isn’t much older than many of his audiences, but to them, he represents something bigger—proof that their ideas matter and their dreams are within reach.

Before the school visits, the book tours, and growing recognition, George was just a kid who loved to read. 

His mother, LaToya Latham said that love showed up early. By age 3, he was already reading fluently. A few years later, when asked how he wanted to make his own money, George skipped the typical childhood options of a lemonade stand and chose to write a book. 

“He chose to write a book because that’s what he loves,” said LaToya, who also serves as his manager.
George’s story comes at a time when educators and advocates are working to rebuild reading and engagement among young students. During Reading Month, he visits classrooms across Detroit and Metro Detroit, to offer something just as important as literacy: representation. 

“My favorite part has to be the excitement from all of my peers,” George said, following his Reading Month stop at Detroit’s University Preparatory Academy: UPA Elementary School – Ellen Thompson Campus. “They see someone that looks like them, and [it’s cool that] we are all kind of the same age.”

At Tenniswood, George visited every classroom in the school, from Kindergarten to 5th grade – and each student received a copy of all three of his books: “I Can Be,” “I Can Be: Sports Edition,” and “I Can Work in Sports” (in Partnership with the Detroit Pistons).  

Since launching his first book tour in 2022, he has continued to build those connections—using storytelling not just to entertain, but to encourage. 

For his mother, that mission is intentional.     

“We want him to inspire his peers — to let them know they can be whatever it is they want to be,” said LaToya, who constantly reminds herself of what can happen when children are supported.    

“Let your children come to you with what they love,” she said. “Make sure they are still enjoying their childhood as well.”

George’s writing is rooted in real life experiences. Whether he’s observing the world around him or asking questions, he approaches storytelling with curiosity and intention. 

“When you want to be something, you have to amount to it,” said George. 

That mindset helped lead to one of the biggest moments in his young career.

After gaining attention for his earlier work, George partnered with the Detroit Pistons to write, “I Can Work In Sports,” a book that introduces young readers to careers both on and off the court. 

That collaboration didn’t happen overnight. Over a year, George would visit the team’s performance center and interviewed several Pistons professionals featured in the book: President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon; President of Business Operations, Melanie Harris; Creative Director and Brand Executive, Justin Winget; and Senior Manager of Public Relations, Corey Moore. “It means a lot to me that I got to collaborate with an NBA team that happens to be my home team,” said George, who celebrated the book’s one-year anniversary on March 23rd. 

As he closes out another impactful Reading Month, George’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. At just 11 years old, the Spirit of Detroit Award-winning author, literacy leader, and founder of the I Can Be Book Club continues to inspire a new generation of readers and dreamers. Through his writing, George ensures his peers can see themselves in powerful careers, believe in their dreams, and understand that success extends far beyond the classroom. From reading tours and speaking engagements to hands-on community service, he is actively reshaping how young people envision their futures. While the I Can Be Book Club will resume next school year, its impact is already evident—most notably with one of its 13 participants becoming a published author.

As his platform continues to grow, George’s message to other young children, and himself, stays simple: “Grab a pen and paper and start writing what comes to your mind.” 

For bookings and more information, visit www.georgelathamiv.com or email info@georgelathamiv.com.