Bookaneer September 2007

THE BOOKANEER

September 1, 2007

On my adventure as the author of The Call to Shakabaz, I continue to meet terrific people who are working to make a difference in the world through the promotion of children’s literature. Let me share a few of the wonderful things I have discovered this month. And please send me your stories, resources, jokes, internet treasures, and more.

NEWS ABOUT THE CALL TO SHAKABAZ

In August I had the opportunity to present at SolFest in Hopland (at Real Goods Solar Institute). I read aloud and my friend Phyllis Binder Lockhart, who is a teacher, helped me do our bookmaking activity with the Everyday Practices for Young People Who Want to Help Save the World. The children made lovely books. Any of you librarians out there (or teachers) in my neck of the woods who would like me to come visit and read aloud and make books with your children, please contact me! In August I also did an interview on Today’s Author, a blogtalk radio show. The show is archived and here is the link to the interview if you want to check it out: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-96977363323295732

FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES

Looking for money for library activities?

The NEA Foundation offers the D.E.A.R. Bookshelf Awards, which grants funds to public schools for the purchase of books and reading materials that will entice youngsters to “drop everything and read.” Maximum award is $500. Eligible applicants are pre-K through 12 teachers, school librarians, and education support professionals. http://www.neafoundation.org/programs/DEAR%200607.htm

The NEA Foundation offers the Grants to Help Low-Income Schools Purchase Books for School Libraries. Grants are made to schools serving economically disadvantaged students (at least 70% of students receiving free/reduced lunch). Maximum award is $1,000. Eligible applicants are pre-K through 12 teachers, school librarians, and education support professionals. Deadline is November 12, 2007.

http://www.neafoundation.org/programs/BAA_2007.htm

Hamburger Helper is offering the “My Hometown Helper” grant program. Submit an essay of 250 words or less describing how a grant would help improve your community project. Maximum award is $15,000. Requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal or civic organization or a public school. Deadline is in the spring.

http://www.myhometownhelper.com/

US Dept. of Education grants for Improving Literacy Through School Libraries are offered each year in the winter and provide funding for purchasing books, software, computers, DVDs, and more to improve school library media centers. Professional development is an allowable expense. Look for this grant on the Dept. of Education website.

Check out the PEN Weekly NewsBlast, which features school reform and school fundraising resources at www.publiceducation.org/newsblast.

TEEN READ WEEK

Remember that the YALSA-sponsored Teen Read Week is coming up October 14-20. This year’s theme is “LOL @ Your Library” and features humorous books to encourage teen reading.

BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS SEND YOUR PICKS

Is there a new book or a galley you’ve read that you can’t stop talking about? A book that you can’t keep on the shelves? Let the world know! Drop a note to Publisher’s Weekly at the following address: childrensbooks@reedbusiness.com

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In the future, I hope The Bookaneer will become an actual newsletter, but for now it’s just a message sent from me to you once a month. If you do not want to remain on my list for The Bookaneer, please send me an email at this address and put in it the exact email address I used to send The Bookaneer to you. I will remove you from the list. I don’t want to be spamming anyone!

The Bookaneer is produced by Amy Wachspress (© 2007). Feel free to reuse any part of this e-zine, but give credit either to Amy or to the original source for all material used. Visit www.wozabooks.com for more information.