196. Why Kids Need to See Themselves in Books: Literature Matters’ Dr. J. Desiree Rodriguez on San Antonio’s Reading Gap

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation focused on San Antonio’s persistent literacy gap and a local nonprofit working to address it. Literature Matters, founded in 2021, is dedicated to making both books and representation accessible to all children—helping students find stories that reflect their identities and experiences.

The discussion explored the origins of Literature Matters, the challenges of connecting diverse communities to literacy, and the practical realities faced by teachers and families in San Antonio. Participants examined:

• The importance of representation in children’s literature

• Barriers to early literacy, including resource limitations and language challenges

• How arts integration and author engagement are helping to close the reading gap

• The role of nonprofit organizations versus traditional education systems in advancing literacy

• Strategies for families and communities to foster sustained reading among children

The episode provides insight into why access and inclusion in literature remain urgent local issues, and how collaborative, community-driven solutions are taking shape in San Antonio.

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