National Reading Crisis Inspires Mom & 12-Year-Old Son to Write Book for Screen-Obsessed Kids

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With national reading scores at a 30-year low—and more than two-thirds of parents worried about kids' screen time and its impact on attention—one New York mom turned to an unexpected partner to fight back: her 12-year-old son. Together, they co-authored Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star (October 7, 2025), a fast, funny middle-grade novel designed to hook even the most screen-addicted kids.

The book grew out of Melanie Vitalli's efforts with her son Hunter, writing together under the pen name Melanie Hunter, after struggling to find a middle-grade book that truly spoke to him as a reluctant reader.

"We couldn't find a book that grabbed my son's attention. All he wanted was video games and YouTube," said Vitalli. "So instead of fighting screens, we used them as a bridge back to books. Our goal was to create a story that kept kids laughing and turning the pages." 

In their fun collaborative story, twelve-year-old Logan is a clumsy and awkward kid who wears Velcro shoes and can trip over air, making him unquestionably not one of the coolest kids at school. But for this wannabe gaming YouTuber with a whole three subscribers including his grandma, it's this genuineness that ends up blowing him up on the internet when a hilarious glitch happens while he is livestreaming. Abruptly an overnight sensation, Logan's life is suddenly filled with fans, sponsorship offers, and merchandise. Can he keep up with his newfound megastar status while still being the unconventional and genuine Logan that made him famous in the first place? 

Written with short chapters, laugh-out-loud humor, and a voice that sounds like a real kid, it's designed for the child who insists they "don't read" but will devour something that feels relatable and modern. 

Not Logan launches just ahead of Banned Books Week (Oct 5–11) putting a spotlight on kids and reading—it's a timely story about how parents can use humor, relevance, and creativity to encourage kids to read again. 

"Parents don't always need to push classics or fight against screens," said Vitalli. "During Banned Books Week, we're reminded that every child should have access to stories they love. The trick is to meet kids where they are—whether it's humor, YouTube, sports, or graphic novels—anything that makes them excited to turn the page."

The Consequences of Declining Reading

Experts warn that fewer kids reading for pleasure could deepen a larger literacy crisis. Strong reading habits are closely linked to academic success, comprehension, and long-term opportunity. With more than half of parents reporting concerns about screen addiction, stories like Not Logan show how humor and relevance can be powerful tools to re-engage kids with books.

Key Details: 

• Title: Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star
• Author: Melanie Hunter
• Genre: Juvenile fiction
• Publisher: Legends Ink Publishing
• Publication Date: October 7, 2025
• Formats: Paperback, ebook

For more information or to request a review copy, contact Melanie Hunter at 845-591-5809 and [email protected] or visit www.notloganbooks.com.

About the Authors
Melanie Vitalli and her 12-year-old son, Hunter, split their time between the Hudson Valley, New York, and Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they co-authored Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star, the first in a planned middle-grade series designed for reluctant readers ages 8–13. Their family has a long-standing commitment to children and families: Melanie's husband, Dave Vitalli, is a former TV personality ("The Family Fixer" on NBC's Maury and CMT's My Dysfunctional Family) and co-founder with Melanie of the AngelWatch Foundation, a national child-safety initiative.

SOURCE Melanie Vitalli