MINNESOTA – September 2nd, 2026 – Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore (PPGJ), a mission-driven publishing company and bookstore working to address America’s reading crisis, has been named a 2026 Minnesota Twins Game Changer. The recognition celebrates PPGJ’s growing impact in putting books into the hands of young readers and using literacy as a pathway to leadership, opportunity, and positive social change.
Founded by Dr. Artika R. Tyner, an award-winning educator, attorney, author, speaker, and justice advocate, PPGJ was built on a powerful belief: books can change lives, and readers can change the world. Through publishing, book donations, school and author visits, family engagement, and youth leadership development, PPGJ is creating opportunities for children to become confident readers and courageous leaders. To date, its efforts have helped donate 50,000 books and inspire 12,000 children and families.
“We are facing a national reading crisis that demands all of us become part of the solution,” said Dr. Tyner. “Every child deserves access to books that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help them imagine what is possible. This recognition strengthens our commitment to raising a generation of lifelong readers, leaders, and changemakers.”
At the heart of PPGJ’s work is its Leaders are Readers approach, which connects literacy with leadership development. Young people are encouraged not only to read, but to discover their voices, develop their leadership potential, and use what they learn to make a difference. PPGJ publishes and shares engaging books that explore leadership, history, community, and positive change. PPGJ helps children see both themselves and new possibilities within the pages they read.
The Game Changer recognition comes as PPGJ seeks to expand this work nationally by building partnerships with schools, libraries, businesses, foundations, families, and community organizations. Its goal is to put more books into children’s hands, create joyful reading experiences, and mobilize communities around the urgent work of strengthening childhood literacy.
“This recognition belongs to every child who has opened one of our books, every family that has read together, every educator who has encouraged a student, and every community partner who believes in the power of literacy,” said Dr. Tyner. “Together, we can change the story of America’s reading crisis—one book, one reader, and one future leader at a time.”
About Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore
Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore is a Minnesota-based independent publisher and bookstore dedicated to advancing literacy, leadership, and social impact. Founded by Dr. Artika R. Tyner, PPGJ publishes diverse and inspiring books and works alongside the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute to expand access to books, educational programming, and leadership opportunities for children and families. To date, its efforts have helped donate 50,000 books and inspire 12,000 children and families.
Media ContactCompany Name: Planting People Growing Justice InstituteContact Person: Media ManagerEmail: Send EmailAddress:PO Box 131894 City: Saint PaulState: MinnesotaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.ppgjli.org/
