"NCFL is in the trenches when it comes to literacy and that’s where the real work is done: one child, one family at a time," Pitts said. "For those of us who want to see tangible results for our efforts, NCFL is the place to be."

-Byron Pitts

Byron Pitts understands the power of a good story because he’s lived it and it is his life’s work. That’s why the CBS chief national correspondent and 60 Minutes contributor is partnering with NCFL to help families improve their lives by learning together.

Having overcome functional illiteracy as a teen, Byron's story illustrates how the power of family can overcome challenges, especially obstacles to learning and reading. Click here to read Byron Pitts' biography.

Byron has authored a book, Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges. The book and the media interviews related to its release will increase the national discussion on the importance of literacy and NCFL’s work.

Purchasing his book will also support NCFL: Byron is the first author to join NCFL’s A PENNY A BOOK^® initiative. You can purchase the book on BetterWorldBooks.com. 100% of the net profit from sales of the book will be donated to NCFL.

You can hear and meet Byron at NCFL’s 19th Annual National Conference in San Antonio, Texas, on April 11, 2010.

"I would not be on 60 Minutes today without my family and a small community of teachers, coaches and counselors who had both the skill and the patience to help me. Learning to read changed my life."

From CBS News Online: