Rob Riggle among authors featured in ‘A Celebration of Reading’ 2026
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation works to inspire strong readers of all ages
KPRC 2 is proud to once again partner with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to celebrate literacy and to work toward raising strong readers of all ages.
The program features interviews with best-selling authors including:
Leon Carroll, Jr. has served our country with distinction—as a Marine Corps officer, a longtime Special Agent with Naval Criminal Investigative Services (“NCIS”), and later as a trusted technical advisor for the hit television series NCIS for more than two decades. His remarkable career has taken him around the world, from the decks of the USS Ranger to leading NCIS offices across the globe. Today, he brings those experiences to life through storytelling. As co-author of the bestselling Ghosts series with actor and producer Mark Harmon, his new book, Ghosts of Sicily, continues a powerful narrative rooted in service, sacrifice, and truth.
Admiral William H. McRaven is one of the most respected voices on service and leadership in America. A retired four-star admiral, he spent nearly four decades as a Navy SEAL, ultimately commanding U.S. Special Operations Command and overseeing some of the most critical counterterrorism operations worldwide in our nation’s history. Following his military career, he continued his service as Chancellor of The University of Texas System. He is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed. His newest book, Duty, Honor, Country & Life: A Tribute to America, is hot off the press and offers a powerful reflection on the values that define our nation and the individuals who embody them.
Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated author of more than a dozen best-selling thrillers. Meltzer’s work spans different genres, including non-fiction and books that celebrate real heroes, like his children’s book I am Simone Biles. Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World children’s book series was the inspiration for the PBS Kids show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. He has also hosted two series on The History Channel. In this interview, Meltzer discusses his newest thriller, The Viper, and his special connection with former First Lady Barbara Bush.
Rob Riggle is an Emmy Award–winning actor, comedian, and decorated Marine Corps veteran. He has brought laughter to audiences for more than two decades through roles in films like The Hangover & Dumb and Dumber To and television appearances on Saturday Night Live & The Daily Show. Before he hit the Hollywood spotlight, he served our country with distinction, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after earning more than 20 medals and ribbons. His memoir, Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine’s Guide to Comedy and Life, is as honest as it is hilarious—sharing how his military service shaped both his life and his path to comedy.
Watch ‘A Celebration of Reading’ in the video player above.