For me, reading is the one crucial element of education. If a child knows how to read, he has the ability to learn about anything. Anything! Reading Jen Robinson’s recent post about Jim Trelease cemented that belief, but it also reminded me that there are many kids out there who don’t have access to books, or to adults who will read to them.
It occurred to me last night that I can help in at least a small way. As a participant in the CYBILS, I received review copies of the five finalist books in the non-fiction picture book category. These are brand new books, considered some of the best of 2006 (one is even an award winner, but my lips are sealed until the official announcement is made!).
I’d like to give these books to a charity that reaches underprivileged kids, so I’m holding a contest. Tell me where I can send these books to young children in need. Is it your local women’s shelter? A homeless shelter? A foster care facility? You choose.
Simply leave the charity of your choice in the comments for this post. On February 14th (the day the CYBILS winners are announced) I’ll choose one charity from the suggestions and mail the books to them (U.S. only, please). As an incentive, I’ll also send one of my books (your choice) to the person who nominates the winning charity.
January 21, 2007 @ 11:56 am
Not sure of the charity names, but any that will send them to New Orleans or Louisiana. Their libraries were *levelled* or the contents destroyed, and they still don’t have them back.
I cannot even imagine a world without books.