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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: just add water, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 15 of 15
1. Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use?

Charity Navigator 4-star rating

Even in a slowly recovering economy, Americans are still givers, donating over $316 billion last year (an increase of 3.5% over the previous year), with the vast majority of that money coming not from companies or foundations, but from individual donors.

At First Book, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help put new books into the hands of kids in need. But we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about where your money will be used most effectively.

Which is why we’re pleased to share some great news: for the third year in a row, First Book has been awarded four stars — the highest rating possible — by Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America.

Only 11% of the charities we rate have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that First Book outperforms most other charities in America.
Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations to provide donors with reliable data about the impact, efficiency and fiscal health of the organizations, and their online rankings are visited more than all other charity ratings groups combined. So we’re pleased to earn this distinction and proud that we’re using your gifts effectively to help children in need.

When you donate to First Book, 97% of your donation goes directly to putting brand-new books into the hands of educators serving kids in need — not to administrative and fundraising costs.

If you have any questions about how First Book operates, or exactly how your donations are used, we’d love to hear them! Get in touch through Facebook or Twitter, or send us an email.

Click here to see First Book’s profile on Charity Navigator.

The post Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use? appeared first on First Book Blog.

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2. Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use?

Charity Navigator 4-star rating

Even in a slowly recovering economy, Americans are still givers, donating over $316 billion last year (an increase of 3.5% over the previous year), with the vast majority of that money coming not from companies or foundations, but from individual donors.

At First Book, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help put new books into the hands of kids in need. But we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about where your money will be used most effectively.

Which is why we’re pleased to share some great news: for the third year in a row, First Book has been awarded four stars — the highest rating possible — by Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America.

Only 11% of the charities we rate have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that First Book outperforms most other charities in America.
Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations to provide donors with reliable data about the impact, efficiency and fiscal health of the organizations, and their online rankings are visited more than all other charity ratings groups combined. So we’re pleased to earn this distinction and proud that we’re using your gifts effectively to help children in need.

When you donate to First Book, 97% of your donation goes directly to putting brand-new books into the hands of educators serving kids in need — not to administrative and fundraising costs.

If you have any questions about how First Book operates, or exactly how your donations are used, we’d love to hear them! Get in touch through Facebook or Twitter, or send us an email.

Click here to see First Book’s profile on Charity Navigator.

The post Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use? appeared first on First Book Blog.

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3. None for One

Volume 3 of the 2013 series of One comes from our friend Crystal Linn and Barbara Geer McCoy.


A portion of the author’s proceeds will be donated to World Concern, a Christian global relief and development organization. World Concern’s efforts reach deep into the most remote corners of the planet, where climate and geography, societal instability and scarce infrastructure create incredible challenges to the people living there, including disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. Visit WorldConcern.org for more information. The series creators and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.

Mark Miller’s One 2013 is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.

Story Three begins in the late 1950s as Jim McCoy, a pharmacist, and his wife, Barbara (Kenoyer) McCoy, a pharmacy technician, joined forces with several doctors and local businesses to start an organization to stop waste and to help the less fortunate.

As a team, they collected leftover pharmaceutical samples and over-the-counter drugs, along with other health related products and bundled them in large shipping barrels, cushioning the items with blankets and baby clothes. These barrels where then shipped overseas to the mission fields.

That None May Be Lost is the biographical story of Jim and Barbara McCoy’s involvement in the founding, and the early days, of Medicine for Missions before leadership was transferred and it became the world-renowned World Concern

Here is a fond retelling of the story of World Concern. A vital organization that is committed to serving the world were it is needed most. As a first time author, Ms. McCoy delivers glimpses into major and minor events of the organizations history almost as if we were looking at her memories. The gentle flow from one encounter to the next makes this a touching memoir.

Story Three: That None May Be Lost
Available on Kindle

Also on Nook and Kobo.

Please visit all of the Authors of One

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4. Meet Children's Author Starr Burgess


Mrs. Burgess worked as an elementary teacher and school counselor for a total of seven years. She has a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. Starr is busy working on her second children’s book: Counselor Dynamite Befuddles the Bullyville Crew. She currently resides with her husband, Clyde, and their daughter in Pflugerville, TX.

Thank you for this interview, Starr.  Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I am a former elementary school teacher and school counselor. I live with my husband, Clyde, and our daughter in Pflugerville, TX. I have been working on writing books for five years and finally created the main character, Counselor Dynamite, whom I lovingly refer to as the pioneer super hero of schools.

Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?
This book is about Counselor Dynamite, who is the superhero of schools. The story takes place the day before Christmas break. Teachers and staff members are tired and running low on patience and the students are full of unbridled energy. Counselor Dynamite notices that something is amiss and quickly jumps into action knowing that if something isn't done soon, students, teachers and staff will never be the same once chaos is unleashed.

Why did you choose your particular genre?
I choose this genre because I worked as an elementary school counselor and had the wonderful opportunity to work with a diverse group of students. I learned that a lot of students had difficulty in the areas of conflict/resolution, problem solving, and boundaries.  As a result I began writing stories that are amusing but instilled and reinforced positive character traits. I know that many children connect with and hold superheroes in high regard so I decided to create the first superhero of schools, Counselor Dynamite.

Where do you write?  Do you have a favorite place?
I write in areas of my home where there is an abundance of natural light. My most favorite place to write is in my living room by the window.

What was your greatest challenge writing this book?
My greatest challenge was not in the writing of the book but in how to market the book.

Are you a disciplined writer?
I am somewhat of a disciplined writer, however most times I prefer the spontaneity of being in the moment.

Are you published by a traditional house, small press or are you self-published?
I am self-published.

Was it the right choice for you?
Absolutely! I appreciate the fact that I retain control of the creativity and direction of the writing and how Counselor Dynamite is portrayed.

How are you promoting your book thus far?
I am a vendor at the Texas Counseling Association conferences; I participate in author readings/book signings in book stores and private schools; I utilize social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and I work with an online book promotion company, Author & Book Promotions.

How is that going for you?
It’s going very well; I really enjoy meeting people with inspiring feedback and hearing about their ministry and journey.

Do you have another job besides writing?
Yes, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My private practice is LifeMenders Counseling.

Have you ever gotten an inspirational book-related moment at work and had to go run and write and it down?
No those moments usually come in the middle of the night.

Do your co-workers know they have a star among them?  What has their reactions been? I don’t know if my co-workers think I’m necessarily a star but I do believe they think I am a visionary and a go getter. My colleagues have been a great source of support; they have given me words of encouragement, purchased my book and supplemental guide, and promotional products from my product line.

If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?
Utilize as much social media as possible, in addition to an online book promotion service company such as Author & Book Promotion.

What’s next for you?
My next book will focus on bullying and will be available in the fall along with a supplemental guide which contains lessons plans and activities for children. In the near future I will be publishing more Counselor Dynamite books, I would love to go on a book tour, be a regular on a talk and/or radio show discussing challenges children face and parent resources, and eventually partner with companies and build the Counselor Dynamite brand, maybe one day turning the adventures of Counselor Dynamite into a cartoon for children.

Thank you for this interview, Starr. Can you tell us where we can find you on the web? Of course, my website is www.counselordynamite.com. Please also check out and like us on www.facebook.com/counselordynamite as well as follow me on Twitter.

3 Comments on Meet Children's Author Starr Burgess, last added: 3/7/2013
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5. K is for...Kids

Those that know me know how much I love kids. 


To be honest, I believe that they're the reason God has me here on Earth. I've known this since I was a teen. I may have even subconsciously known this as a kid. It started when my brother and sister were born. When I was seven, my brother three and my sister one, we played school in my room. They'd sit between my stuffed animals as my students. It was a game, but I taught them how to read, write, and count. They were the first children God used me to educate. After them, I kept going: working in the church's nursery before I was even 10; babysitting as a teen; teaching children's Sunday school & working with preteens & teens at church; tutoring; teaching...the list goes on. And now, I'm working on a writing career, mentoring program, & an enrichment center. 


Everything I do will always go back to my purpose. My writing career? Children & teens. My mentoring program? For girls (ages 5 - 18). Enrichment center? Children & teens. When I graduate with my doctorate - prayerfully within a year or two - I plan to use it to do reading research so I can help better education for our youth. I even thought of becoming an advocate for youth who can't speak up for themselves.


Some people go through life never knowing their purpose. Why am I here? What should I do? I'm blessed to have had my purpose revealed to me at a young age. My mission is to educate, enrich, & empower children/teens. I have no doubt this is what God has called me to do.

5 Comments on K is for...Kids, last added: 4/14/2012
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6. ALA Midwinter

I am back from sunny San Diego and the ALA Mid Winter meeting.  This is a time of committee meeting on top of committee meeting, and the drama of the announcements of the Youth Media Awards.

Highlights of this trip for me, were catching up with old friends, meeting new friends, passing Neil Gaiman on the street, awarding a grant to a very deserving program, and dipping my toes in Newbery work.

As I've stated before, this year the blog will feature older titles, what the kids are reading, and some author highlights.  I am thinking of profiling some tween readers as well. 

I look forward to reading all of your blogs to see what is catching your eyes and hearts this year!

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7. The 2011s Are Coming! The 2011s Are Coming!

It's hard to believe, especially since there are plenty of exciting 2010s left to read, but it's true.

So what does that mean here at Welcome to My Tweendom?

Usually it would mean I start blurbing those books, but this year is a little different.  I am very excited to be on the ALA 2012 Newbery Committee.  This means that if it's a children's book, and comes out in 2011, chances are I will be reading it.   In the name of staying as far away from  a conflict of interest as possible the focus at Welcome to My Tweendom will shift for the year.

What you won't find here are reviews and blurbs of the 2011s.  What you will find are reviews and blurbs of past Newbery winners, my still enormous pile of 2010 titles, and books that I feel have been overlooked in the past.  Once school is in session there will be lists of what our tweens are checking out on the clipboard.

I am super excited about this next reading year, and I can't wait to troll the blogs and find out what you all are reading!

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8. Mission again

Some final pics of my visit to Mission, Texas.

These are from Mission Junior High School.




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9. Author night in Mission, Texas


Author night in Mission, Texas was quite an event. I wasn't able to get too many photos, but here are a few.


Brian Lies reading a book he wrote as a child (sorry these are blurry..I didn't use a flash):



Brian wowing the crowd by drawing a bat (who was carrying the flag of Texas):



Elaine Scott telling showing some amazing shots of outer space:



And this is my new friend, Rebekah!
Rebekah loves to read, so we are definitely Soul Sisters!
(And her mom is...guess what? A librarian, of course.)

0 Comments on Author night in Mission, Texas as of 11/22/2008 5:40:00 AM
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10. Mission

I've met so many great librarians and students here in Mission, Texas. I've been so busy I've hardly had time to take photos, but managed to squeeze in a few today.

Librarian Liz Cavazos (left) and me


A great door decoration at Salinas Elementary School:



Me yammering away at Salinas Elementary School:

Thanks for the photos, Lupita!




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11. New places

One of the most fun things about traveling to different parts of the country is seeing new things.

One school I was at today had a butterfly garden that was amazing. Mission, Texas is on the route of butterflies migrating to Mexico. I've never seen so many butterflies in one place ever. So cool.



I also so a poinsettia tree. And I always thought they came from Stop and Shop Grocery Store. Who knew?


2 Comments on New places, last added: 11/19/2008
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12. So long, y'all

I'm heading out to Mission, Texas for a week of school visits with my pals Brian Lies and Darlyne Murawski, who are both part of the great team of Zade Educational Partners.

I'll be speaking at eleven elementary and junior high schools in the Mission Consolidated Independent School District.

1 Comments on So long, y'all, last added: 11/16/2008
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13. Valentine’s day in the Mission, San Francisco

Tonight I walked home from the 24th and Mission BART stop. It was Valentine’s day, and the neighborhood celebrated by being outside.

Stores stayed open late. Perfumed Latino guys pushed and egged each other on, nervously buying flowers for sweethearts and would-be sweethearts. The bodas civiles joints lubricated their trade with sidewalk tables of cheap teddy bears wrapped in red cellophane.

I walked home in my pink dress. Women holding little girls walked by, clutching roses, boxes of chocolates. Women completed errands, hauled children, and bought food with the same grim determination, red cellophane emerging from their purses.

I saw a beautifully happy couple. Their little daughter ran up the sidewalk in front of them. I caught the man’s eye as I passed and saw satisfaction on his face.

More people were on the street than usual. More police were around. I saw two huge officers, giants. One had his hand on the back of a tiny fast-talking man. There was no sense of potential violence, just a solid hand on the back and a posture that clearly communicated that whatever jig there may have been was now thoroughly up.

There was music and the smell of onions cooking. The jazz club was setting up a show. As I walked home, buses drove back and forth full of people like me, heading home, and out, and home again.

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14. El Tecolote

I used to find El Tecolote in the magazine racks at the Mission Cultural Center for the Latino Arts, the center being a sanctuary I found when I had just arrived to San Francisco.
This time el Tecolote has a review for Little Night.

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15. How book cover designers think

A friend recently heard from the cover artist for his book.
----
He says, "What struck me, immediately, was how exactingly it confirmed every suspicion I had about how things work in the graphic design departments of big publishing houses.

"Basically, the graphic designer gets a paragraph about the book from the book's editor. (Not the manuscript of the book, or an excerpt from the book, or even a personal phone call or visit by the editor, but a paragraph of text written by the editor) The graphic designer then comes up with a few rough designs for the book without any other direction.

"These designs are then taken to "the publisher." "The publisher" hasn't read the book either.

"So "the publisher" chose one of the covers that the cover artist designed. The artist was not particularly pleased with his work, and the author was screaming bloody murder about it, but the publisher had spoken. The reasons for the publisher's choice had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with money. A sci-fi/fantasy buyer at the biggest national chain bookstore had shown some interest in the book, and he/she was more likely to order a large quantity of the books if it had a sci-fi looking cover. (At least this was the perception, heaven knows whether the sci-fi buyer really cared.)"
-----
April here again. Full disclosure: I find this kind of scary, but I have a feeling this is how things work more often than not.



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