What the cool kids are doing...

My hubistrator and I have the privilege of working with some of the most amazing young teens in the area. Yesterday instead of eating chocolates or planning a valentine's event we tried something different. The kids made beautiful valentines for the troops who are serving our country. They added their own flair and style and added personal messages to encourage those who sacrificed for our freedom. As a young teen I'm not sure that I was as giving and as thoughtful as these young people. Their tenacity to give their best to others stands out and that is why today's blog is all about them! Have you planned anything special for this year's valentine's day? Tell me! I'd love to know. If you have not thought about doing something out of the box...let these amazing kids open up some new ideas for you!
-Read something great!

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A Fair to remember!

I am so excited about a special event coming up the weekend of February 26th! Can you imagine children's book authors from every category blogging in unity? How about having the opportunity to buy signed books from your favorite authors from the comfort of your own home?
Get ready! The last week of this month will go out with a bang. Experience words of wisdom, give-a-ways and autographed books from some of the best authors around! The traditional bookfair has always been a crowd pleaser but I wanted to take it a step further. The virtual children's bookfair will be a great way to connect and use the best of modern technology to buy your books! Save the date!
Tell your teachers and friends and get ready to read and take literacy to a whole new level!
-Read something great!

A month to remember...

Today is the first day of Black History month! This is a special time for people from every culture to explore and find out more about the history of African-Americans. I find when we take time to learn about each other the benefits are endless.
The first time that I remember hearing about Black history month was when I was in the fist grade and my teacher had a display of pictures of many famous African-American people. I saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Some photos of Motown stars and I also saw unfamiliar faces. I remember learning about Harriet Tubman and her courage to free herself and others from the bondage of slavery. I saw information on Sojourner Truth and even learned about George Washington Carver and his inventions that continue to serve us well today.
I find it amazing that every year I am exposed to a new African-American person that made strides during their lifetime to make this world a better place.
Looking at the history of my culture and learning about magnificent and brave people from today and yesterday allows me no excuse to hold back my talent.
It has always been legal for me to read, write and to attend school. These are things that I could easily take for granted if I did not reflect on those people who looked just like me who were denied the rights of education.
My commitment to writing and to literacy go beyond face value. In a time when everyone can learn and enlighten themselves I feel that it is my dream to help them to get the resources needed to flourish. I refuse to take for granted those privileges that so many great people fought for me to have even before I existed. Have you ever thought about it like that?
Think for a second about your heritage.
How did your family come to be where they are at today?
Who fought on the behalf of your culture to help you to experience upward mobility?
A great project for a class is to write a letter of gratitude for the contribution that a person from history made to make life easier for you. This allows for the child to practice their literacy & history skills in a way that nurtures their kindness. If you try this project-let me know how it goes!
-Read something great!

Update on my personal literacy challenge...

Readers,
Many of you are aware of my reading resolution for 2010. I spend countless hours investing time and energy into getting others excited about reading and writing and all that encompasses literacy.
I decided to give myself a personal goal this year to make sure that I am practicing what I preach. My goal this year is to finish 52 books in 52 weeks.
I am currently on my fourth book which is "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson.
It's nice to take into perspective that life is a gift and that although challenging it does not have to be grueling and everything does not have to be a major problem.
If you are wondering when I get the time to read so much...I do my best to use my time wisely. Have you ever waited in line thinking that you could be doing something better? I do too...and then I pull my book out of my bag and get in a few pages. In essence this helps me to be more patient and I feel great about my personal literacy goals as well as helping others to reach theirs. I'll keep you updated from time to time where I am at in my reading and I hope that you are taking on some great literacy challenges of your own. If you need ideas take a look at the blog post from yesterday.
-Read something great!

A Lover of Literacy Challenge and update...

Readers as a lover of literacy I have done some interesting things. I have written two books that promote self-esteem and diversity in children. I speak at schools, libraries and organizations that have a passion for reading and writing. This year I also partenered with Operation: Kid Equip, a wonderful non-profit in Southeastern Michigan that provides dreams by way of school supplies and support to children who are low-income. This summer we plan on providing a personalized book signing to many of these childen.
Summer reading is probably far away in our minds but it is not that far away in reality. In order to meet this goal it is important that we fundraise for this goal now so that the future of area kids is brighter and filled with the beauty and promise that only books can bring. I challenge you! Get involved! If you read to a class, volunteer at a library or donate to our literacy project you are making a big difference. You can even do all three!
Books change lives...let's be a part of the miracle!
Read something great!

Inspiring the Dream...

I was fortunate enough to speak at Baker College of Allen Park on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The staff wanted me to explain how King's life influenced my own. I talked about the freedoms that I have because he fought so hard in the face of adversity. I shared that because he protested, went to prison and even died for civil rights I am able to have small blessings like a Diet Coke at a cafe.
I realize that the national holiday is over but I want to implore the readers to remember that when you stand for something and fight hard enough you not only change history but you create a new future for others.
Read something great!