Read Across America success!

So I dropped the kids off at school, came back and showered and dressed and then stopped by friend's work to pick up a check so I could get gas and some breakfast before getting to the school. I got there and was guided to the class I was to read to, a 6th grade group, very small but from what I understand is that they are not a regular class - but a class where they get the extra help as needed in all their subjects. There were 8 students in the class. I was given the book "Through The Cracks" and when I had looked this up online to see what I was going to be reading, I found two different books on amazon.com. I did the sneak preview of the one I could and thought surely this wasn't the book I was reading to 6th graders. The other one states it is for ages 4 to 8 and so I didn't think that would be the one to be read to 6th graders either. So I didn't know which book I was reading. Thank goodness it was the second one. It's about how kids slip through the cracks because they are bored or not excited about being in school and kind of just get by as best they can. Very awesome reading.

I went back to the library for refreshments and told the librarian I would like to read again if they had any open spots. Sure enough someone had not been able to show up, so I got to read to a 7th grade class. They didn't have a book in the class to read, so I got to read Train of Clues and the kids loved it. They were guessing all kinds of places - the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Wall, - all places on the east coast. When we finally got to the reveal, they were all like, "I knew that." or "That's what I was thinking." I had a great time.

This was definitely a success in that there were 42 volunteers from the community and authors participating this year. This is the second year they have done the Read Across America program. I think it's great that they came up with that many folks willing to participate. I was found through SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) because I'm listed on the speaker's bureau, so yay! my membership paid off. I also told Ms. Jennifer I would like to do it again next year if I'm not already booked somewhere else.

I love programs like this and to see so many folks coming together to do something good, just warms the cockles of my heart. Pics to come later - E :)

Dacusville and Great Homsechool Convention

Today, I'm heading to Dacusville Middle School for the "Read Across America" program. I'll be reading to 6th graders. I'm excited.

From the school, I'll head to Greenville to the Great Homeschool Convention to do some volunteer work. I have bookmarks and order forms so hopefully I can put them in the hands of the right people and garner some orders. I really could use a decent set of orders on books since it seems like forever since I've sold any (well I did just sell six copies last month at the Geofest but I'd love to see 10 to 20 come through). I will take pictures and post later - see you all in the postings - Mrs. E :)

Do you love your librarian?

Last week at our Sisters in Crime (SinC) meeting, we had a librarian from Pickens County Library come give us a little insight on getting books in the library and some other fun stuff. I passed my bookmarks out as I didn't have any in January and everyone else was passing theirs out then. I stayed a little after the meeting and talked with Jennifer about doing some programs at the library, et cetera. I also gave a copy of State of Successes to the librarian to put in her branch. Sunday evening, while I was just sitting here working and minding my own business, an email came across my desk with the subject line - DACUSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL INVITATION - I was thinking it was something from the teachers.net forum so wasn't going to read it right away. I decided to take a break and read a few emails that had come in. The invitation was actually to me to participate in the Read Across America program at Dacusville Middle School. Woohooo, I think librarian Jennifer spread the word for me - lol. Thank you, Ms. Jennifer. I responded and sent a copy of my sell sheet and the order form for teachers and students, so hopefully I'll get some orders from the school. I'll also pass out bookmarks to the students that morning and leave them with the media specialist (from whom the invitation actually came).



I'll be at Dacusville Middle School on March 18, either at 9 or 10 in the morning. I'll leave the school, grab a bite to eat on my way to Greenville for the Southeast Homeschool Convention/Conference where I'll be volunteering for the afternoon (this is an event I wanted to participate in as a vendor so much but just didn't have the funds to do so, but I'm hoping that next year this group will return and I'll be able to be there as a vendor - buy some books, help send the JGDS to conferences - lol). I may not be able to sell my books that day but I'll be passing out my bookmarks with order forms attached so that I'll get some notice - I hope.

I have a busy few months ahead but it's all good. Promotion is key, especially with such a large project. Be on the lookout for updates and pictures of the events. See you all in the postings - Mrs. E :) & the JGDS