Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
There is something magical about The Softwire series that transcends age. These books chronicling the turmoil of orphaned kids caught up in the politics of an alien world seem to appeal equally to children and adults. So it was no surprise to see a mixture of young and old fans turning out to visit with The Softwire author and KNTR founder PJ Haarsma, as he kicked off the Chandler Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive benefiting Kids Need to Read.
It was a relaxed Sunday afternoon, November 7th, and the first in line were young kids with books in hand. The Softwire appeals to girls . . .
. . . and boys.
Kids love to meet authors!
Rhiannon not only enjoyed seeing PJ again, but experimented with various ways to wear the Kids Need to Read cap she won at the KNTR HIKRZ Jamboree the day before.
One young man began texting his friends about PJ’s presence at the store. He explained that his friends all play Rings of Orbis, PJ’s free online game that expands upon the world of Orbis presented in the book series. PJ pioneered the idea of making literacy attractive to young adults by capitalizing on the current generation’s love of gaming. Creating Rings of Orbis four years ago, the online game now has over 36,000 players and has grown into a complex, multi-faceted “world.” The game supports the series and most players report that it makes them want to read the books. Even more amazing, nearly 70 percent of the players request that more stories be incorporated into the game itself!
PJ visits with teacher Devon Adams, who created a Softwire wikipedia with his high school students.
The adult fans had a great time talking, laughing, and taking pictures with the affable author. I believe there may have been more texting!
Debb and PJ
Some had books to sign . . .
Krista Bricker
. . . some had books and READ posters to sign . . .
Carol and Robert Tabb
. . . and some came to watch PJ rearrange his hair (a famous move)!
We thank Sibley.
PJ with CRM Sibley Giles
We thank Missy.
PJ with Melissa Tope
And we thank everyone at the Chandler Barnes & Noble for hosting PJ, Debb, and me. It was such a wonderful afternoon!
Denise Gary, Melissa Tope, PJ Haarsma, Sibley Giles, and Debbie Brown
The Holiday Book Drive is helping KNTR beyond our wildest dreams, as the store has already collected over 300 books in the first two weeks of the drive – INCREDIBLE! We are grateful to the employees who are working so hard to collect books for the kids, as well as their customers who are supporting our organization with so much enthusiasm.
The book drive lasts through December, so be sure to stop by and thank the folks at the store for supporting Kids Need to Read. If you are able, please contribute a book to the effort, too. You can be sure the book you select will find its way to one of the worthy literacy programs we are assisting, and it will be read with enthusiasm by many excited children.
November through December, 2010
Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Chandler Fashion Mall
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312
