Dr. Danny Brassell

Dr. Danny Brassell is known as America's Leading Reading Ambassador, reflecting his work as an educator, author, and keynote speaker in the field of literacy and education. The son of a librarian, Brassell grew up disliking reading but later became a prominent authority on reading instruction and literacy development. He became an avid reader after completing his doctorate in education, when he was able to choose books of personal interest. Since then, his goal has been to encourage a lifelong passion for reading among people of all ages.

Inspired by the film "Stand and Deliver," Brassell chose to teach in inner-city schools to support students often labeled as unteachable. He has served as an educational advisor to a diverse range of students, from preschoolers to professionals in science and technology, and considers himself first and foremost a teacher. Brassell taught at California State University as a tenured professor for 17 years, where he trained educational leaders in communication, motivation, and leadership skills. His live televised courses were recognized for presenting content in an engaging and accessible manner. He has also held faculty positions at various universities, including serving as a faculty advisor for the CalStateTEACH program and as a distinguished visiting professor at the American University of Cairo.

Brassell is the author of 18 books, including "Misfits and Crackpots." His publications cover topics such as education, leadership, and personal development, with notable titles including "Bringing Joy Back into the Classroom," "A Baker's Dozen of Lessons Learned from the Teaching Trenches," and "Read, Lead & Succeed: 50 Simple Ways to Produce Extraordinary Results in Business and Life." He has written more than 50 articles for newspapers, magazines, and journals, with work featured in USA Today and The Los Angeles Times.

As a speaker and coach, Brassell has delivered over 3,500 presentations across four continents, focusing on literacy, education, and leadership. He hosted the TV show "People Make a Difference," which aired in over 4 million homes in Southern California and featured guests from various fields, including heart surgeon Kathy Magliato and literacy experts Kelly Gallagher and Stephen Krashen. His TEDx talk, "The Reading Makeover," has been recognized for its humor and insight into education.

After experiencing financial hardship due to a real estate scam, Brassell rebuilt his career by establishing a speaking business and coaching entrepreneurs and executives. His commitment to literacy extends to nonprofit work, having served on the Board of Directors of BookEnds, including two terms as chairman. BookEnds created classroom libraries in under-resourced areas and facilitated nearly 3 million book donations to schools, juvenile detention facilities, and group homes. Brassell also trained thousands of literacy volunteers for The Wonder of Reading at more than 100 Los Angeles-area schools.

He is the co-creator of The Reading Habit, a leading reading engagement program, and founder of The Lazy Readers' Book Club, which offers short book recommendations for busy individuals. Brassell continues to promote literacy and reading engagement through his work with school districts, corporations, and professional associations, demonstrating that a love of reading and learning can have a transformative impact at every level.