Yesterday I heard the news of Madeleine L'Engle's passing. I still remember the first time I read A Wrinkle In Time when I was a little girl. I finished the book and then opened it up to the first page and simply read it all again. I was transported. I had finally found a heroine, a real heroine, who was not just a prop to a boy hero, and I identified with her. Geeky, glasses, smart, shy, making it all up as she went. I think a million or more little girls read this book with a tremendous sigh of relief -- finally, we said to ourselves.
I fell in love with the Murrays. And the Austins. I traveled The Moon By Night, I swam with the dolphins in Ring of Endless Light. As an adult, I read Two-Part Invention. I read A Wrinkle In Time aloud to my stepsons, then my daughter, then each of my sons in turn. My youngest made me read it to him a second time. I have never read any book aloud to children as many times as that. And I could do it again in a heartbeat.
Madeleine L'Engle's positive vision of love and compassion, of the collective power of the good in all of us to make the world right, stays with me. I cannot think of another writer who has done anymore than Madeleine L'Engle to make the world a better place. It is with great sadness that I mark her passing and force myself to accept the fact that she will not pen another word. Continue on your journey ML, we will miss you here on earth.
Amy Wachspress
Author of The Call to Shakabaz (www.wozabooks.com)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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.
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