Reigniting a Love for Reading with AI and Avatars with Lawton Smith, CEO of Literal

Send us Fan MailLawton Smith is a literacy advocate focused on adolescent reading engagement and the co-founder and CEO of Literal (LiteralApp.com). Praised as a “game changer”, a “Top Tech for Advanced Learners of ELA”, and awarded a rare five stars out-of-five for “Student Engagement” by Common Sense Media, Literal is an all-in-one digital reading platform for modern classrooms that is fundamentally changing what it means to read books on screens.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why reading scores have declined for over a decadeHow Literal makes classic texts engaging through chat-based formatsThe impact of long-form reading on soft skills and mental healthHow AI is used to scaffold texts with translation, rephrasing, and levelingWhy playful, personalized reading boosts student engagement✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:17] What Literal is and how it's addressing the reading crisis[00:04:45] Key factors behind the long-term decline in reading[00:09:45] Adapting books to match students’ media habits[00:16:20] Lawton’s personal journey losing and regaining reading focus[00:23:12] Turning novels into chat conversations with avatars[00:32:56] Expanding the Literal library beyond public domain[00:36:31] How AI powers Literal’s reading support tools😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor:Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.