One Book Habersham Welcomes Author Malcolm Mitchell

By: Nora Almazan

Photo: American author, poet, and former professional football player, Malcolm Mitchell celebrated reading with students at One Book Habersham

Habersham County students recently had the opportunity to celebrate reading and literacy through the annual One Book Habersham event, which this year featured the inspiring children’s book The Magician’s Hat by former professional football player and author Malcolm Mitchell.

Mitchell played as a wide receiver The University of Georgia. He went on to play for the New England Patriots. The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2017. His NFL Career lasted two years due to knee injuries. He now invests in helping children learn the importance of reading.

One Book Habersham is a program which

Photo: Each Second Grade Student received a copy of Mitchell's book.

brings the community together around a single book, encouraging students, teachers, and families to read and discuss the same story. This year’s selection proved to be both imaginative and meaningful for young readers.

The Magician’s Hat tells the story of a young boy named Milo who discovers a mysterious magician’s hat filled with magical letters. As the letters begin to swirl around him, Milo learns that the true magic lies in the power of reading and imagination. Through its colorful storytelling, the book reminds children that books can open doors to new worlds and endless possibilities.

But for many students, meeting the author behind the story was just as powerful as the story itself.

Malcolm Mitchell shared with students his own journey growing up and how both sports and education shaped his life. Known for his career as a football player, Mitchell spoke openly about how important football was to him during his childhood. Yet he emphasized that reading ultimately became one of the most life-changing tools he ever discovered.

Mitchell explained that while athletics helped him pursue his dreams, reading gave him something even more valuable — the ability to learn, grow, and imagine a different future.

“Reading is the most empowering tool we can possess,” Mitchell told students. “So any opportunity that I am granted to share that passion with students, it makes my day.”

His message resonated deeply with the audience, especially as he encouraged students to see reading not as a chore, but as a superpower.

Photo: Mitchell brought energy and fun to helping children see the importance of reading

Mitchell shared that books allow readers to explore new ideas, develop creativity, and better understand the world around them. In his words, reading can transform anyone into a kind of superhero — someone equipped with knowledge, imagination, and confidence.

Throughout the event, students listened intently as Mitchell described how learning to embrace reading helped shape the direction of his life. His passion for literacy has since grown into a mission to encourage young people everywhere to discover the joy and power of books.

Programs like One Book Habersham play an important role in fostering that love of reading. By bringing students together around a shared story and giving them the chance to meet the authors behind those stories, the event helps reinforce the idea that books are not just assignments — they are adventures waiting to happen.

For the students of Habersham County, the visit from Malcolm Mitchell served as both inspiration and encouragement. His message was simple but powerful: reading has the ability to change lives.

And as Mitchell reminded students, sometimes the most extraordinary magic doesn’t come from a magician’s hat — it comes from opening a book.