You know how great children’s writers and illustrators are — but did you know many of them are working to change the world in ways other than through their writing/illustrating?
Please share other worthy causes but here are some I’m aware of:
- Martha Brockenbrough is active with a project called Water First, which recognizes that getting safe, clean water to people can solve many other problems
- Jane Kurtz and her Ethiopia Reads project, with Yohannes Gebregeorgis, is working to build libraries and bring books to children in Ethiopia
- Grace Lin has created one painting a month, auctioned on eBay, to benefit the Foundation of the Children’s Book
- Michele Torrey and her Orphans Africa, which is helping to build schools in Tanzania (Michele’s there right now, working hard)
And of course, Children’s Book Ambassador Jon Scieszka has his Guys Read foundation, and our own ReaderGirlz (founding divas include Dia Calhoun, Janet Carey, Lorie Ann Grover and Justina Chen Headley) promote teen activism for positive changes. And, I’m particularly proud of my publisher, Delacorte, for really getting behind First Book.
Wow, what a great community we’re part of!
For awhile, I was keeping at list at my blog of writers/kidlit bloggers and the book/literacy/youth-related causes they support: http://saralewisholmes.blogspot.com/2007/07/very-big-good-deed-list.html
Now I realize my Very Big Good Deed List could use an update! So many generous-hearted folks doing amazing things. I second the love of our great community.
Kirby, thank you for posting this!
Wow, Kirby, this is a wonderful post. Thanks so much for highlighting the work that we do. All went well in Tanzania — we’re working with a great group of passionate, dedicated people who want to help the orphans receive an education. I feel honored to be a part of such a great work. Thanks!
Michele Torrey