As part of the New England Patriots team that won the 2017 Super Bowl, Malcolm Mitchell caught six passes for 70 yards, but it's his achievements outside of the sports world for which he is most proud.

The University of Georgia graduate and former NFL player's crusade for literacy carries on full steam with his latest children's book, "My Super Duper Me," which is scheduled for release on Aug. 18, 2026.

The picture book is the fifth for author Mitchell, whose first effort, "The Magician's Hat," was published in 2018 by Scholastic, the world's largest children's book company. "My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World" followed in 2020 with subsequent releases, "Hey, Georgia" and "A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor's Mansion" in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

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Illustrated by Deise Lino, "My Super Duper Me" centers on Theo, the new kid at school, whose struggles with reading, math, and playtime activities leave him feeling on the outside of things that seem to come easier to his fellow students. Theo finds kinship with the new librarian, Mr. Burton, who introduces the child to a special bookshelf that unlocks the door to positive self-esteem and encouragement.

Mitchell's enthusiasm for reading goes beyond the printed page. Through his Share the Magic foundation, the Valdosta native's mission to "inspire kids to read to a better future" empowers educators by providing free and engaging virtual reading challenges, inspiring students via in-school programs, and introducing the concept of book ownership.

The Georgia Writers Association named Mitchell the Children’s Author of the Year with awards in 2016 and 2023. Mitchell's other honors include the Promise Hero Award, the Pinnacle Award from the International Dyslexia Association, and the Champion of Children Award. Mitchell, in 2023, was appointed to the Georgia Council on Literacy.

Autographed copies of Mitchell's books can be purchased at readwithmalcolm.myshopify.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: UGA grad, former NFL star Malcolm Mitchell authors 5th children's book

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