The Kids Need to Read 2014 wall calendar is presented by
Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.

As we get ready to introduce the Kids Need to Read 2014 wall calendar at Phoenix Comicon, we proudly present the cover art for your enjoyment. Every piece of art we received from each of our twelve calendar artists was enchanting, making the effort to choose just one for the cover incredibly difficult. Each artist was instructed to incorporate a book or books into their illustration to highlight our mission. What we received was unbelievably imaginative art as unique as each artist’s style and perception.

Parents with Papyrus © Jason Horn

Parents with Papyrus by Jason Horn, author and illustrator of Kathryn the Chrononaut, Ninjasaur, and Gruff, was chosen to represent the spectacular artistry contained within the Kids Need to Read calendar. Jason’s unusual and bold creation caught everyone’s eye and was selected for how well it illustrated the Kids Need to Read tagline, “Inspiring Imagination.” Depicting writing in ancient times, the art piece emphasizes the bond reading and storytelling can engender between children and parents. The importance of surrounding children with a literature-rich home environment never changes throughout the millennia.

The remaining eleven calendar illustrations can be seen on our 2014 calendar web page. The pieces are all unique and equally inspiring. We thank all of the Kids Need to Read calendar artists for their dedication to the cause of childhood literacy, and for honoring our foundation with their valuable time and talent:

Mark Wayne Adams
Chris Gall
Marisa Grieco
Travis Hanson
Jason Horn
Jason T. Kruse
Jon S. Lewis
Jackie Morris
James A. Owen
Tony Parker
Steven Riley
Mike Woodcock

We also thank Hi-Fi Design of Surprise, Arizona for coloring the art of Jason T. Kruse and Jon S. Lewis, as well as Kate Finnegan for coloring the art of Tony Parker, and Jeremy Owen for coloring the art of James A. Owen.

We are immensely grateful to our calendar sponsor, Life Alert Emergency Response, whose generosity over the past four years has ensured that 100% of the funds generated by calendar sales will be used to further our mission. As always, our deep appreciation is extended to Dawn Russo for her continuing support of the calendar project throughout the years.

In addition to the calendar, Kids Need to Read produces fine art prints from the artists’ contributions. The KNTR 2014 calendars, as well as a selection of fine art prints, will be available for purchase in our eBay store on June 5, 2013. Calendars and fine art prints will also be available at KNTR’s Phoenix Comicon booth, May 23-26, 2013. Calendar contributor Steven Riley will be conducting the Kids Need to Read “Build-a-Book” project in the KNTR booth and will be available to sign calendars throughout the convention. Other calendar contributors with booths at the convention are Travis Hanson, Jon S. Lewis, James A. Owen, and Tony Parker. So, come enjoy Phoenix Comicon, make a donation for a 2014 calendar, and get them signed by these fine artists. They are perfect for libraries and classrooms—shining a bright light on literacy all year long!

Kids Need to Read Pavilion 459, 461, 558, 560
Exhibitor Hall
KNTR Build-a-Book Project for Kids (See times and description below)
Author & Illustrator Steven Riley
Goodie Backpacks for Kids
Highlights & Cricket Magazines for Kids
Project Hero
Peace Packs Book List
Handmade Peace Merchandise
Geeksages, Geekonnieres & Geek Blinkies
KNTR 2014 Wall Calendars & Fine Art Prints
KNTR Literacy T-Shirts & Buttons

Friday – Sunday

KNTR Build-a-Book Project for Kids with Steven Riley
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM; Kids Need to Read Pavilion
Author/illustrator Steven Riley will lead daily creative sessions for children of all ages in the Kids Need to Read pavilion. Children will build a book page by page and can watch the book progress on the pavilion’s Reading Wall. After signing a reading pledge, all Build-a-Book participants will receive a Kids Need to Read goodie backpack sponsored by Bookmans and filled with a hardcover book, magazine, & other goodies.

Phoenix Comicon Charity Art Auction Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Booths 465 & 564, Exhibitor Hall
The Phoenix Comicon Charity Art Auction features unique one-of-a-kind creations by many guest artists. Pieces will include single artist and multi-artist jam pieces. The auctions will be silent and all proceeds will benefit Kids Need to Read this year.

Frank Beddor Charity Book Drive for Kids Need to Read
Booth 436
Author Frank Beddor will be conducting a book-raiser throughout the convention. For every book sold by Beddor at his booth, he will be donating one to Kids Need to Read.

Dune Sea Garrison Blast-a-Trooper Benefiting KNTR
Friday, 2:00–4:00 PM
Saturday, 4:00–6:00 PM
Sunday, 1:00–3:00 PM
Star Wars Neighborhood, Exhibitor Hall
We know Star Wars fans have a Rebellious streak . . . are you ready to test your marksmanship on a servant of the Empire? The Blast-a-Trooper target range arms participants with NERF blasters and pits them against characters from the Star Wars universe! All funds go to Kids Need to Read, so take pride in sticking it to the Empire for a small donation!

James A. Owen Pendant Fundraiser for Kids Need to Read
Table 2522
Author James A. Owen will be conducting a fundraiser throughout the convention. For every pendant sold at his booth, he will be donating $1.00 to Kids Need to Read.

Kids Reading Corner in Youth Art Room, courtesy of Bookmans and Kids Need to Read
Kids can find a quiet corner to read and ignite their imagination.

Friday Only

Kids Need to Read Presents: Poetry for the Movie Generation with Charles “Fig” Newton—Storyteller
1:30 PM–2:30 PM, West Building, Room 102A
Dynamic storytelling meets classic poetry as this veteran of the stage brings the power of poetry to life for children of all ages, including the child in each of us.

From Bullying to Harmony: Understanding and Dealing with Bullying
6:00 PM–7:00 PM, West Building, Room 103
Please join Denise Gary of Kids Need to Read, author Tom Leveen (Party, Zero, manicpixiedreamgirl), and Sgt. Darren Burch of Silent Witness as they help families learn to deal with the pervasive menace of bullying. One free copy of Jay McGraw’s Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies provided to the first 100 families in attendance, courtesy of Kids Need to Read!

Second Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament Benefiting Kids Need to Read
7:00 PM, Phoenix Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
No Limit Hold ‘Em Celebrity Charity Tournament, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Kids Need to Read. There is a $10 donation to enter, with additional cash options available for players to refresh their poker chip stack during the first hour of play. Tournament-related prizes will be raffled. Cash only. Seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to make sure you get a place at a table.

Saturday & Sunday

Justice League Arizona “Arkham Escape” Interactive Game Benefiting KNTR
2:00 PM–3:00 PM, Justice League Arizona Booth
“Escaped Arkham Asylum inmates” (identified by special badges) will be hunted down by Gotham City heroes and villains, escorted back to the Arkham Cell, and have their mug shots taken with their captors. Play yourself or rat out your friends for a $5 donation to Kids Need to Read. Participants will receive a keepsake Arkham Escape lanyard and an inmate tag.

Project Hero Raffles for Kids Need to Read
Hero Comics Booth 378
Dredd Pig helmet, badge, and buckle; two pictures of Snake Eyes and Darth Maul signed by Ray Parks; tickets to Arizona Science Center; “X” belt buckles; original art by Andy Bohn of the Hulk signed by Lou Ferrigno; mystery helmet.

Saturday Only

KNTR Geek Prom Fashion Geektacular Prejudging
2:00 PM, Sundance Room, First Floor, Hyatt Regency
Prejudging for the Fashion Geektacular; winners will be announced at the KNTR Geek Prom. Judges: Lori Cothrun – Bookmans, Wynter Holden – Phoenix New Times, James A. Owen – Author, Illustrator, Jonathan Simon – Lightning Octopus

Kids Need to Read Presents: Build-A-Hero with Tom Leveen
3:00 PM–4:00 PM, West Building, Room 103
Taking a page from fellow YA author and comic book writer Cecil Castellucci (Year of the Beasts; Boyproof; http://castellucci.wordpress.com/), Tom will guide writers through a fun and revealing exercise building a hero and villain (and sending them into combat!) to illustrate how conflict is necessary for every genre of fiction.

Kids Need to Read Presents: How to Write & Draw Riley Style with Steven Riley
4:30 PM–5:30 PM, West Building, Room 102A
Steven Riley entertains with this interactive exploration of creation, storytelling, and illustration suitable for kids of all ages with active imaginations. Come be a part of the hilarity while experiencing your story springing to life before your eyes!

Kids Need to Read Presents: Finding Your Way PLOT Workshop with Sara Fujimura
4:30 PM–5:30 PM, West Building, Room 103
Learn how to create an easy but thorough plot map for your fanfic, book, manga, anime, screenplay. Or even plot-heavy videogame. **This is a hands-on, interactive writing workshop.**

KNTR Geek Prom, Sponsored by Bookmans
9:00 PM–1:00 AM, Hyatt Regency Ballroom
TICKETS ($15 online now or $20 onsite during the convention)
The theme for Geek Prom 2013 is BRIT GEEK. New this year: Judging for the Fashion Geektacular will take place prior to the Geek Prom on Saturday, May 25th, starting at 2:00 PM in the Sundance Room on the first floor of the Hyatt.

Don’t miss the fourth annual Kids Need to Read Geek Prom, sponsored by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange and made possible by Phoenix Comicon. As a signature event of the convention, an entire ballroom is devoted to the KNTR Geek Prom, enabling throngs of Geekanoids to attend this quirky soiree. Due to the Geekerosity of our Geektabulous friends at Bookmans, all proceeds benefit Kids Need to Read, a foundation that does not discriminate against Geeks, Dweebs, or Nerds. This is the Big Bang Party! Expect Geektastic music and dancing, tons of prizes, live auction of a full-scale T.A.R.D.I.S. replica, Geek-themed decorations, photos under the Geek Arch and/or T.A.R.D.I.S., Fashion Geektacular, and crowning of the 2013 KNTR Geek Monarchs.

The theme for Geek Prom 2013 is BRIT GEEK. Dress in your Geeky best and enter the Fashion Geektacular to vie for the titles of Geek King, Geek Queen, Geek Prince, and Geek Princess! Any appropriate Geek attire may be modeled during the Fashion Geektacular, including the themes of CLASSIC GEEK (dweeb, nerd, etc.), CONTEMPORARY GEEK (superhero, video game character, etc.), or BRIT GEEK (Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Shaun of the Dead, Austin Powers, etc.). Judging for the Fashion Geektacular will take place prior to the Geek Prom on Saturday, May 25th, starting at 2:00 PM in the Sundance Room on the first floor of the Hyatt. Contestants will participate in a final strut on the catwalk during the prom, followed by the crowning of the winners as the 2013 Geek Monarchs. Event rated PG-13.

To learn more about this event, including ticketing information, see our Kids Need to Read Geek Prom page. Or, go straight to ticket purchasing.

Twitter Feed: #KNTRGeekProm

Presenting Sponsor
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

Hosting Sponsor
Phoenix Comicon

Prize Sponsors
ThinkGeek
Threadless

Hosts
Denise Gary—Kids Need to Read
Gus Matos—Arizona Avengers

Deejay
DJ s.alien Aaron Moore—Post Mortem Creations

Fashion Geektacular Judges
Lori Cothrun—Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Wynter Holden—Phoenix New Times
James A. Owen—Author, Illustrator
Jonathan Simon—Lightning Octopus

Singer: Geeks of America
Steven Riley—Author, Illustrator

Kids Need to Read Geek Prom
Sponsored by Bookmans
Hosted at Phoenix Comicon

Hyatt Regency Ballroom
Phoenix, Arizona
Saturday, May 25, 2013
9:00 PM–1:00 AM (or, you know . . . till whenever)

Purchase your Geek Prom pass here:
https://phoenixcomicon.com/shop

$15 online now or $20 onsite during the convention

Don’t miss the fourth annual Kids Need to Read Geek Prom, sponsored by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange and made possible by Phoenix Comicon. As a signature event of the convention, an entire ballroom is devoted to the KNTR Geek Prom, enabling throngs of Geekanoids to attend this quirky soiree. Due to the Geekerosity of our Geektabulous friends at Bookmans, all proceeds benefit Kids Need to Read, a foundation that does not discriminate against Geeks, Dweebs, or Nerds. This is the Big Bang Party! Expect Geektastic music and dancing, tons of prizes, live auction of a full-scale T.A.R.D.I.S. replica, Geek-themed decorations, photos under the Geek Arch and/or T.A.R.D.I.S., Fashion Geektacular, and crowning of the 2013 KNTR Geek Monarchs.

The theme for Geek Prom 2013 is BRIT GEEK. Dress in your Geeky best and enter the Fashion Geektacular to vie for the titles of Geek King, Geek Queen, Geek Prince, and Geek Princess! Any appropriate Geek attire may be modeled during the Fashion Geektacular, including the themes of CLASSIC GEEK (dweeb, nerd, etc.), CONTEMPORARY GEEK (superhero, video game character, etc.), or BRIT GEEK (Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Shaun of the Dead, Austin Powers, etc.). New this year: Judging for the Fashion Geektacular will take place prior to the Geek Prom on Saturday, May 25th, starting at 2:00 PM in the Sundance Room on the first floor of the Hyatt. Contestants will participate in a final strut on the catwalk during the prom, followed by the crowning of the winners as the 2013 Geek Monarchs. Event rated PG-13.

Twitter Feed: #KNTRGeekProm

Presenting Sponsor
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

Hosting Sponsor
Phoenix Comicon

Prize Sponsors
ThinkGeek
Threadless

Hosts
Denise Gary—Kids Need to Read
Gus Matos—Arizona Avengers

Deejay
DJ s.alien Aaron Moore—Post Mortem Creations

Fashion Geektacular Judges
Lori Cothrun—Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Wynter Holden—Phoenix New Times
James A. Owen—Author, Illustrator
Jonathan Simon—Lightning Octopus

Singer: Geeks of America
Steven Riley—Author, Illustrator

To learn more about this event, including ticketing information, see our Kids Need to Read Geek Prom page. Or, go straight to ticket purchasing.

It was messy and it was fun! Kids Need to Read brought bayou fun to the desert with our first-ever Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité, raising funds for the KNTR “Kids-N-Peace” literacy program. Folks enjoyed toe-tappin’ Cajun Zydeco music while wolfing down fresh mudbugs and other classic Louisiana delicacies prepared by Chef Sauce Boss.

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler! The party staff made sure everyone knew it was time to “Let the good times roll!”

In addition to the Cajun Crawfish, Sausage, Taters & Corn on the Cob . . .

. . . Old School Red Beans and Rice was served . . .

. . . as well as Blackened Chicken Po-Boys . . .

. . . and fresh Pralines!

For those who preferred less spicy fair, hamburgers were tossed upon the grill.

Author and KNTR Advisory Council member James Owen tested and approved the private reserve “Six Feet Under” Sweet Potato Hot Sauce made by Chef Sauce Boss.

James always has a good story to share . . . okay, “stories!”

Folks had fun!

Folks ate!

There was a crawfish-peelin’ demo.

Writer Sara Fujimura introduced Rock the Drop—Phoenix, asking the party-goers to take a book (provided by KNTR) to “drop,” along with an explanatory bookmark, in a public place for kids to find.

Of course, we had the requisite mudbug bibs . . .

. . . and bayou shack.

KNTR Chairman Tyson Breinholt wasn’t so sure he wanted anything to do with the crawdads! (He bravely ate two tails I peeled for him.)

James provided Tyson with some inside book scoop.

Chef Sauce Boss kept on cooking!

There were door prizes.

There were happy winners.

The chef was applauded!

There was a little dancing (by two of us) . . .

. . . and some relaxin’.

Thanks so much from all of us at Kids Need to Read to everyone who supported our first annual Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité, including Sprouts Farmers Market on Gilbert and Brown in Mesa for helping KNTR with some food. Your sausage was delicious! Also, thanks to Charlie, Leta, and Tyson for your sponsorship funding. We are filled with beaucoups of gratitude!

Be sure to join us next year for more food and fun, Cajun style! There are lots more photos in the Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité, with Chef Sauce Boss photo galleries.

All of us at Kids Need to Read would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Nathan Fillion Birthday Wish for Kids Need to Read. Through your generosity, the online event raised over $17,000 in support of Kids Need to Read. As a co-founder of the organization, actor Nathan Fillion contributes to an enduring legacy in the inspiring work of Kids Need to Read on behalf of impoverished and under-served children across the nation. These children suffer the plight of an unbalanced education system, leading many to fail and drop out of school. Statistics from National Assessment of Educational Progress and other national assessments indicate that poverty is one key factor adversely affecting graduation rates in our country. Now, more than ever, there is an overwhelming need for literacy intervention among impoverished children and adolescents faced with inequitable odds of success. The entire lifetime of an individual is affected not only by their ability to read but also by their desire to read.

While the problem of attrition rates in the school system is an undeniably complex one, we clearly cannot ignore the growing problem of bullying and school violence as we try to solve it. Among the children Kids Need to Read serves, a shocking number cite bullying as a key factor when considering dropping out of school completely. According to dosomething.org, approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying, and one out of ten students ultimately drop out due to repeated bullying. Every day we look the other way, we put our children in danger. Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school-shooting incidents. The best way to build a safer, more peaceful community is to fill it with the confidence and ambition of high school and college graduates. To help achieve this goal, Kids Need to Read is using perhaps the most influential ambassadors of all: books. The Kids Need to Read Peace Packs book collection is designed to support literacy education, as well as help students cope with bullying, learn peaceful conflict resolution techniques, and develop effective leadership skills.

Thank you one and all for assisting Kids Need to Read and co-founder Nathan Fillion in fulfilling these crucial goals for the productive futures of our children. Reading is a connection to life, to people, and to self-respect. Even one book—just the right book—can change a life forever. And positively changing lives will positively change communities.

Most sincerely,

Denise Gary
Executive Director

Contributions may still be made in honor of Mr. Fillion on the Nathan Fillion Birthday Wish web page or the Kids Need to Read donation web page.

Friends of the Phoenix Public Library invited Kids Need to Read to give books and Highlights magazines to children attending their event, Love to Read AZ!

This is the third year the Friends group and Bookmans have brought the event to the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, Arizona.

We were stationed at the library entrance and gave away hundreds of books and magazines to children and adolescents as they walked in.

Book packs were filled with books, Highlights magazines, and bookmarks provided by Kids Need to Read.

The tables were constantly surrounded by kids picking up their packs.

We were greeted with smile after smile as we handed out the book packs.

Some kids started reading their books immediately.

Their joy was infectious!

Kids were excited to receive “Love Your Library” stickers from the Phoenix Library Friends, too.

Although bags were color coded by age, some children asked for specific colors.

We complied with the color swaps most of the time, because who can resist someone like this little girl sweetly asking for a green bag to go with her pink jacket?

Sometimes, getting a book pack on called for a little help.

In addition to the free book giveaway, the celebration featured Story Time with Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and his family, musical guest Chuck Cheesman, a production by the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, raffles, literacy information tables, crafts, and meet & greets with Curious George, Bookbreath, BookMan, and Maya & Miguel.

Like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Chuck Cheesman led the children to the auditorium for story time.

There was an extraordinary amount of Hello Kitty attire!

This boy liked my KNTR “Take Me to Your Reader” alien t-shirt.

Some children had their faces painted.

The Friends were raffling off a color Nook and an Xbox 360 with Kinect.

After going to at least three activities or info tables, kids dropped off their stamped passports in the Friends raffle drop.

This girl was the lucky winner of the Xbox 360!

What a great time we had giving away books and magazines, simply for the joy of it all! Well, okay, it was to encourage families to read, but it truly was a joyful moment in time for me. We “Love to Read” and it is so wonderful to share that love with children!

We thank Friends of the Phoenix Public Library and Bookmans Entertainment Exchange for giving Kids Need to Read the opportunity to participate in their exciting event, as well as the wonderful Friends volunteers who helped us. Thanks always to Highlights for Children for continuing to support our organization, as well as Actionopolis Books, and authors Frank Beddor and Jeanne McNaney. We share the love of reading with you all!

More Incredibly Adorable Photos (There were so many!): “Love to Read A–Z” Photo Gallery

Sometimes, the greatest moments in life are witnessing children experiencing the joy of life.

Kids Need to Read presented Mr. Shine to the kindergarten–2nd grade students of Children First Academy, a school for homeless and disadvantaged children in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

During his show, Go Wild for Books!, Mr. Shine sings and performs using instruments, puppets, and magic tricks, all the while encouraging children to read.

The experience is lively and exhilarating!

Kids at Children First Academy actively participated in Mr. Shine’s songs, including a hula song . . .

. . . and a shark song.

Mr. Shine recruited some help for the shark song.

Rock star hair was important, of course.

Why not add in some bright red rock star hair?

Then watch out for the shark’s next meal!

All this shark wanted was a good book!

Who isn’t fascinated by a good magic trick?

Many kids tried in vain to hold back their laughter during Mr. Shine’s silly antics.

But mostly, the kids laughed and laughed!

Naturally, Kids Need to Read gave each student a book to keep and read with their families. (Thank you, author Jeanne McNaney!)

We are so grateful to Mr. Shine for coming out to Children First Academy to encourage kids to read in such a fun and unforgettable manner. I am sure these children will remember him for a very long time! I know I will! “Music is fun; music is fun for everyone. . . .”

More Photos: “Mr. Shine Goes Wild for Books” Photo Gallery

Kids Need to Read is proud to announce two milestones reached over the past fiscal year, which will be ending March 31^st. At that time, we will be experiencing another new milestone—our first full audit. But back to the achievements we have already attained. . . .

The organizational name “Kids Need to Read” and the Kids Need to Read “Inspiring Imagination” logo are now service marks registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The name Kids Need to Read was chosen by founder PJ Haarsma in 2007. The name was lengthened to The Kids Need to Read Foundation in January 2008 while KNTR was seeking tax exempt status, but reverted back to the shorter version in October 2009 once the organization was well-established.

The registered logo was created by KNTR Creative Director Robert Gary in July 2010, replacing the original shield. In our 2010 announcement, we described the new logo this way:

Using the colors of childhood, our new logo puts our name front and center, and makes it clear from the first glance that we are all about kids.  A book opening up to our name symbolizes our mission to open up a world of endless possibilities to children through literacy.  It also serves to remind that Kids Need to Read opens its arms to all children in the spirit of inclusiveness. Our tagline, “Inspiring Imagination,” anchors the image with the essence of our foundation.

Supporters can find registered logos and banners on our Promote Kids Need to Read web page.

Kids Need to Read has earned the GuideStar Exchange Seal, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability provided by GuideStar USA, Inc., a premier source of nonprofit information. The Seal demonstrates to supporters our deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability. Anyone seeking approved information about our organization can find it on GuideStar’s Kids Need to Read report page.

These notable milestones are important indicators of our commitment and passionate dedication to the cause of raising literacy rates and providing books to children and adolescents. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported Kids Need to Read and watched us grow over the years. We cannot wait to see what the coming year will bring to our organization and those children desperately in need of the resources we provide.

I leave you with a portion of a recent donation request from a public middle school in Pennsylvania:

This year, I was hired as the school librarian with the task of re-opening the school library for the first time in about 10 years. [I] and the other teachers are dedicated to providing our at-risk students with the same opportunities, education, resources, rigor, and dedicated professionals as any affluent school. The process of improving the library space to make it welcoming and educational for students is underway. The program’s focus will be improving student achievement, literacy rates, and fostering lifelong learning. Nearly the entire existing collection of books needs to be recycled as they are extremely outdated (15+ years) and would provide misinformation. Additionally, the resources are unsuitable for student use because they are so dusty and dirty where allergies and asthma are a concern. The administration and faculty at Penn Treaty are supportive and enthusiastic about finally having a library in their school. I would like to provide as many high-quality resources to these students as possible to better their chances for success. . . . Not a day goes by without students stopping me in the hall to ask when the library will be up and running. It’s such a good feeling to know that they are excited about having access to information resources. We used our small budget to purchase books to get the library up and running but still fall far below the recommended guidelines. I am concerned that the small amount of books I have been able to purchase so far will disappoint the students or that there will not be enough for them to check out when they want. A book donation would help bring our library closer to the PA school library guidelines, making literacy an achievable goal for our students through access to high-quality information resources.

Kids Need to Read introduced the eighth grade students of ASU Preparatory Academy to Aaronetta Edmonds, who shared the experiences of her grandparents during their time as slaves.

Aaronetta’s husband, Wes Edmonds, also contributed to the program.

The presentation supported the eighth grade English language arts studies of Up From Slavery: An Autobiography, by Booker T. Washington.

Class sets of the book were provided by Kids Need to Read as part of the Reading Revolution program, designed to increase literacy scores and graduation rates among middle school students. Earlier in the year, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to join the eighth grade classes during their studies of this book. Afterward, I felt they would benefit from a more personal perspective of the challenges slaves experienced as they transitioned to freedom.

Aaronetta exuded quiet dignity as she recounted the struggles her grandparents endured as they persevered in the face of oppression, while never passing down bitterness or hatred to their progeny.

Aaronetta also shared the shock and indignation she felt upon her first encounters with Jim Crow laws while on a visit to the south.

Students were spell-bound by the couple’s recollections.

Aaronetta shared family documents and pictures from the era.

Aaronetta’s Grandparents and their Children

Students enjoyed question and answer sessions, with one student asking the Edmonds if they would serve as godparents to the students.

The students also enjoyed asking Wes for his thoughts, especially regarding racism today.

Seventh grade students were brought in to enjoy the final presentation of the day.

To close the civil rights studies, eighth grade English teacher Andrea Enger invited me and the Edmonds to join the students at a performance of the musical Memphis at the ASU Gammage Auditorium in Tempe, Arizona. The event was sponsored by Kaleidoscope through Arizona State University.

It was a real treat to enjoy this engrossing story based on the experiences of the first white DJ to play black music in Tennessee. After the performance—one of the best musicals I have experienced—we were all treated to a delicious dinner on the portico, with a cast member joining each table for the meal. The meal was followed by a question and answer session with the cast members. It was an incredible opportunity not only for the students but for me and the Edmonds, as well.

It has been a true honor working with Andrea Enger on the Reading Revolution program the past two years. She has been the backbone of the program, welcoming me to her classroom and allowing Kids Need to Read to be a part of the education experience. I cannot overstate what an inspiring teacher she is—always a consummate educator.

More photos: “Reading Revolution: Up From Slavery Presentation with Aaronetta Edmonds” Photo Gallery

More Reading Revolution Program Information

Reading Revolution Program Partners

Arizona State University
ASU Preparatory Academy
Canyon State Academy

Reading Revolution Funding Partners

American Woodmark Foundation
Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation
Avnet Contributions Council
Cardinals Charities
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Arizona
Fry’s Fund
John F. Long Foundation
National Home Library Foundation
Otto & Edna Neely Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund

Beaucoups of Zydeco music, door prizes, children’s creative writing sessions, free books for kids, and all-you-can-eat authentic Louisiana cookin’!

Saturday, April 6, 2013
4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Kids Need to Read Office
33 S. Mesa Drive
Mesa, AZ 85210

Register by Sunday, March 31st

Join Kids Need to Read and Chef Sauce Boss as we bring the backwoods to the desert with our first-ever Cajun Crawfish Boil, all to raise funds for the KNTR “Kids-N-Peace” literacy program. Enjoy toe-tappin’ Cajun Zydeco music while wolfing down fresh mudbugs and other classic Louisiana delicacies. Be sure to dress all casual-like … or at least bring your own bib. With a fête like this, getting messy is half the fun.

Menu, Registration, and More Info