By Denise Gary
Photos courtesy of Eric Pierpoint, Don Albares, and Deedie Braender
Kids Need to Read has been enjoying a highly fruitful partnership with author/actor Eric Pierpoint over the past two years, providing books and author visits to children who would otherwise not be able to enjoy such treasures. Eric writes thrilling historical fiction for children and the recipients of his books have absolutely loved these gifts!
Eric has conducted two fundraisers for Kids Need to Read: The Eric Pierpoint Book Express and Eric Pierpoint’s Book Revolution. The two fundraisers have resulted in $6,395 dollars! The first year, KNTR used the funds of the Book Express to provide copies of The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole to the 4th and 5th grade classes of 107th Street Elementary School and McKinley Avenue Elementary School, both in Los Angeles, followed by a school visit by Eric. The students were so excited when the author showed up at the school to discuss the book they had been reading. In an interview last year, we talked to Eric about his involvement with Kids Need to Read and the schools he visited.
This year, Eric is visiting schools again and KNTR is providing books from the proceeds of his fundraisers to campuses located in low socioeconomic areas. First up was Mendoza Elementary School in San Diego, California. Because the fourth grade students were studying California History and the western movement over the Oregon Trail in their Social Studies classes, KNTR provided a copy of The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole to each fourth grade student and teacher, as the tale is an exciting adventure set on the Oregon Trail. After the students began reading the book, Eric conducted one of his magical presentations:
I must say Eric’s visit was very well received. I could hear the students lined up at the auditorium door saying, “There he is, look at him”. They were so excited to meet a true author, and it didn’t hurt that his book was so entertaining. I know because I read it too. I thought it an action packed, well written slice of American history with the twist of the protagonist being a young boy. —Deedie Braender, Mendoza IMRT, Mendoza Elementary School, San Diego, California
Copies of Eric’s latest book, Revolutionary War adventure The Secret Mission of William Tuck, were provided to the fifth grade teachers, since their Social Studies classes are studying American History. “Both of his books, which are historical fiction, tie in with our curriculum … so AMAZING,” said Deedie.
Eric’s visit to Mendoza Elementary had a personal side, as the granddaughter of one of his good friends loved The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole so much, she vigorously campaigned to have the author visit her school. Just look at how well-loved her copy of Caleb O’Toole is in the picture below! Eric will be visiting more schools soon on behalf of KNTR.
Thanks so much to Mr. Eric Pierpoint for his enthusiastic and generous support of Kids Need to Read, as well as his desire to give his time to serve disadvantaged children. Kids Need to Read does not pay author fees, so we are very grateful to individuals who donate their personal time and resources to children who would not otherwise receive such inspiring opportunities! Thanks also to Sourcebooks for providing copies of Eric’s books at a deep discount in order that Kids Need to Read can provide hundreds of these terrific books to children in need.
Please help out with a donation to Eric Pierpoint’s Book Revolution to keep this program ongoing for children who lack access to books and authors.
About Eric Pierpoint:
Eric Pierpoint is an award winning author of historical fiction for middle readers. His first novel, The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole, won the MPIBA award for best children’s book. His new Revolutionary War adventure, The Secret Mission of William Tuck, has just received the prized Kirkus Star Review: “The familiar events and historical figures surrounding the birth of the United States are made personal in this riveting story of one boy’s unparalleled courage. While the focus is on the bravery of the men and women who fought for independence, Pierpoint makes it clear that even an honorable war is brutal. … Richly detailed and exhilarating.”
As a professional actor, Eric has been on stage, screen, and television for years. You’ve seen him in popular films like Holes, Liar Liar, The World’s Fastest Indian, Forever Young and Transformers II. He’s also appeared in many of your favorite television shows from Parks and Recreation, Star Trek, CSI, and Hart of Dixie, to Hill Street Blues, Fame, and Alien Nation.
