Change the World

These Children Desperately Need Books. Can You Join Us In Helping Them?

We’re raising funds to help stock the library shelves of educational centers in some of India’s most impoverished areas. These are for children living under extreme conditions in mud huts with no electricity or plumbing, largely within the poorest of communities in India – the Dalits (also known as the Untouchables).  These children do not own any books.  Their parents are mostly illiterate and are daily wage earners who have suffered financially from the ongoing lockdowns in India.  Together, we can give these kids the gift of imagination, adventure and learning. 

Kidlit Distancing Social #39 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding the Courage to Put Your Work Out Into the World

Meet Jennifer Vassel, an inspiring self-publishing success story. Jennifer is the author and founder of “I Am Unique!”, a children’s book series and self-love brand aimed to inspire kids and adults to rise above their insecurities and share their unique gifts with the world.

Her work has been featured in national media such as Forbes, Black Enterprise, Thrive, Essence, and
Today.

Join us to find out how Jennifer has overcome self-doubt and insecurity to build a thriving writing career. She’ll also share some excellent self-publishing and marketing advice.

 

Kidlit Distancing Social #30 Replay – Kevin Carroll on Communicating Big Ideas to Young Readers

Kevin Carroll has led a remarkable life – and he’s just getting started. Head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Nike’s first-ever “creative change agent”, an in-demand speaker with multiple Ted Talks and now, a successful children’s book author.

In fact, his A Kid’s Book About Belonging was just named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2020!

Kevin has some big things to communicate with kids, and he has a fascinating approach that should make every kidlit author stand up and take notice.

You absolutely don’t want to miss this one!

 

Kidlit Distancing Social #26 Replay – Lyn Miller-Lachmann on Writing Historical Fiction & Creating Inclusive Characters

This week, we have a really fascinating guest – author, translator and sensitivity reader Lyn Miller-Lachmann (Gringolandia, Surviving Santiago, Rogue). Lyn talks about writing historical fiction, writing books with international settings, and the difference between a sensitivity reader and an expert reader (and when you should use each one).

 

Kidlit Distancing Social #25 Replay – Brian Weisfeld on Writing Books that Promote a Passion & Deliver a Message

Brian Weisfeld, author of The Startup Squad series (Macmillan), is devoted to empowering girls with an entrepreneurial mindset so they can realize their potential. In this episode, Brian gives his advice for authors seeking to change the world with their writing. If you have a passion or cause you’d like young readers to know about, Brian will help you understand how to create books that teach while entertaining.

 

Picture Book Shows How One Woman Changed the World

Just in time for Earth Day, picture book author Miranda Paul talks about her new picture book, One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia, how to write impactful stories for children, and why we need more diversity in children’s literature.

 

#WeNeedDiverseBooks Starts Movement for Diversity in Children’s Books

The grassroots movement for diversity in children’s literature has grown to partner with School Library Journal and launch its first Indiegogo campaign.

 

Literacy Crisis: More than 600 Million Children Falling Behind in Math & Reading

A new UNESCO report declares that 250 million of the world’s 650 million primary school age children cannot read, write or do basic math.

 

It’s time to take action.

 

To Change the World, First Become Fearless

  Fear is indeed a powerful emotion.  Left unchecked, it can paralyze you, stop you in your tracks, and suck the life out of you, leaving you feeling powerless to move in any direction, never mind forward.   So, for this thought for the day, it’s really important to understand how you handle fear and […]