My Story
KP Carter, The Literacy Whisperer, is the founder of KP Carter Writes LLC. She helps parents and educators to grow joyful readers. KP writes middle-grade fiction to inform readers about significant social issues. Her books are sprinkled with humor, inspiration, and encouragement to support youth as they navigate the obstacles on life’s path.
KP always had the heart of a teacher. She is a proud product of the Newark Public Schools in Newark, NJ. From a very early age, KP enjoyed her daily lessons. After school activities included “teaching” her dolls and toys what she had learned in school. It was no surprise that she decided to major in education and earn the BA degree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. Due to a series of personal missteps, KP spent the entire first year after graduation as a per diem and long-term substitute teacher in four local school districts. Through this experience, she turned lemons into lemonade. One day, she could be on the floor reading to eager kindergarten students. The next, she could be teaching English to exuberant high school juniors. Throughout the year, KP encountered students at both ends of the learning spectrum. Some required reading remediation and others craved challenges. If she was going to make a real difference in the lives of students, KP needed to hone her craft. The next year, she was awarded a full fellowship to attend the School of Education at Kutztown State University in Kutztown, PA. KP earned her M.Ed. degree and became a certified Reading Specialist
For 35 years, KP served students and teachers in several capacities including classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, Supervisor, Adjunct Professor, and Director of Language Arts and Testing. Although fourth grade was her sweet spot, KP also enjoyed her experiences with students in kindergarten through post high school. At the school district level, KP spent her summer vacations teaching students to prepare for the rigors of high school English and supervising a district wide Title I program. KP was an Adjunct Professor of Remedial Reading and Writing at two community colleges. Through it all, KP’s passion to nurture students’ life-long love of reading remains at the center of all her endeavors.
Now, KP spends her days' tutoring, sharing her books with students, and presenting parent workshops. The parent workshop, Ten Steps to Reading Success - Progressive Parents Promoting Literacy, is an outgrowth of her desire to help parents who are striving to promote literacy in the home. KP has helped 300+ parents increase their role in the development of children's reading skills.
KP is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and the mother of two adult sons. Her home library is filled with mysteries, children’s books, science-fiction, professional literature and biographies. Swimming and dancing help KP maintain an active lifestyle. KP supports her community through volunteer activities with her church and sorority.
FAVORITE BOOKS
One Crazy Summer
Someplace More Than Others
Path To My African Eyes
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
The Watsons Go To Birmingham
Every Living Thing
The Tamara Hale Mystery Series
FAVORITE PLACES
Tanglewood Resort in Pennsylvania
Disney World
The beach
NJ Historical Society
Any library
Great restaurants
My bed after a long day
FAVORITE FOOD
Pancakes
Macaroni and cheese
Sweet potato pie
Collard greens
Shrimp scampi
BBQ Chicken
All salads
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Swimming
Reading
Writing
Crossword puzzles
Dancing
Visiting with my sons
Walking in the park