We're In The Running!

Culturatti Kids needs your help. We're in the running for a $25k grant from Pepsi Refresh. Winning this contest will help us provide free books to thousands of children from low-income families. Would you take a moment to cast your vote for Culturatti Kids and show your support for children's literacy?

Fostering Literacy in Indianapolis

As part of our ongoing initiative to provide children in need with books and literacy resources, we recently paid an impromptu visit to the Branches of Life Treatment Foster Care Agency in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our Outreach Director, Anna Leis, presented their staff with Culturatti Kids’ Future Writer’s Toolkits to give as gifts to the children entering their program. The toolkits contained a copy of the children’s book, Hoppa’s Big Move, a personal journal, a collection of pens, pencils, markers and erasers, a ‘Writers Rock’ T-Shirt and a plaque with an encouraging poem about the benefits of writing.

"One reason I am so excited to receive these Writer's Toolkits is because so many of our kids have never been given the gift of reading,” said Cindy Johns, a Licensing Specialist at Branches of Life.

“What a gift it is, to be able to read and write. It allows you to go anywhere! Explore the world!”

Johns says the toolkits will be a great addition to their upcoming back to school supply drive.

“It is our responsibility, as a global village, to provide children with the tools they need to enrich their lives and those around them; even if their mom or dad was unable to. I'm so appreciative!" Cindy said.

Culturatti Kids will deliver more Future Writer’s Toolkits to Branches of Life and other foster care agencies throughout the year. Programs like these are possible because of the generous support of our sponsors like Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, Pelican Advisory Group, Inc. and Transamerica.

To find out how your children’s organization can receive toolkits or for information on sponsoring Culturatti Kids, email us at support@culturattikids.net.

For more information on the services offered at Branches of Life Treatment Foster Care Agency, contact them at 317-926-0116.

Hoppa's Big Move Trailer Video!

West Bloomfield Plum Market to Host Children’s Book Author, Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, for the Launch of her New Book

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., February 2010 –  Author Erika Roman Saint-Pierre and Plum Market of West Bloomfield have teamed up to present the launch of Saint-Pierre’s new children’s book, “Hoppa’s Big Move,” during Spa Day on March 20, 2010, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Plum Market in the Old Orchard Plaza, 6565 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, Mich.  Saint-Pierre will be available to sign copies of the book and proceeds from its sale will be donated to Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts program.  Copies of “Hoppa’s Big Move” will be available for purchase at the West Bloomfield Plum Market or online at http://www.culturattiink.com/hoppa%27s_big_move.html.

“Hoppa’s Big Move” is about Hoppa’s first day of kindergarten where she learns that not everyone is the same and that some people may actually think she’s different, even weird.  Hoppa leads readers on a journey to find friends, acceptance, and the understanding that the differences in race, religion, and life experiences are what make true friendships.

Saint-Pierre has been writing since she was young and wrote her first novel at age 10.  She is co-author of the book, “Locked In.”  “Hoppa’s Big Move” is the first in her collection of children’s books on cultural and social diversity.

All proceeds from the sale of “Hoppa’s Big Move” go to Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts program providing books and other resources to schools who will be donating $4 from each book to the West Bloomfield school district.  Between now and April 15, 2010, Culturatti Kids will also donate one copy of “Hoppa’s Big Move” for every copy purchased.  To find out more about the “Help Get Hoppa Moving” Campaign, please check out Hoppa’s Blog at http://hoppasbigmove.blogspot.com.

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To request a media kit or review copy of “Hoppa’s Big Move,” schedule an author visit, and for any other questions, please contact Amy Shropshire, Marketing Director for Culturatti Kids at amy@culturattikids.org or +1 (888) 849-6070 ext. 3.

For more information about Plum Market, please contact Jennifer Martin, Director of Apothecary for Plum Market at Jenn.Martin@plummarket.com or +1 (248) 706-1600 ext. 115.

Hoppa's Fans Earn Free Books for Their Favorite School!

Which School Will Win?
Hoppa, from the new book by Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, "Hoppa's Big Move,"  is sending out a challenge to all of her fans. She is running a contest to see which school loves literacy the most. Everyone that becomes a fan of Hoppa's Big Move on Facebook can submit a school of their choice. The school that gets the most votes will win:

•  A collection of books published by Culturatti Ink 
• A new computer
• $200 donation to the school library or media center
• A visit from the author of "Hoppa's Big Move," Erika Roman Saint-Pierre

Deadline
April 15th.

Visit the Hoppa's Big Move on Facebook fan page to see the up-to-date scores

One Last Thing
For every copy of Hoppa's Big Move purchased from now through April 15th, we'll donate another copy to a child in need. How cool is that?

So, tell all your friends, your child’s teacher, everyone you can think of and let's see which school loves literacy the most!!!

Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign!

Make sure there are enough books to go around! 

Teachers and librarians are often left with no funding for new books.  Many library shelves are nearly empty or full of out-dated, tattered, and torn books.  With these conditions, how do we expect to inspire a love of reading and writing in our children?

Culturatti Kids, a youth-based, literary arts organization, works with teachers and librarians to make sure their libraries are fully-stocked, operational, and diverse.  Right now, we are receiving more book requests from teachers and librarians than we could handle alone.  The amount of requests is steadily increasing as school budget cuts continue. 

In tough economic times such as these, budgets are being slashed or eliminated all over the country and our school libraries are feeling the crunch.

There are several ways you can help us make sure there are enough books to go around: 

Donate Books 

You can help by donating one or many NEW or VERY GENTLY used books appropriate for K-12 students.  The most requested genres include classic novels, historical fiction, early reader, and poetry.  We will make sure your donations are put to good use. 

Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign

The new children’s book, Hoppa’s Big Move will be an important part of our fundraising efforts for 2010.  All of the proceeds from this book are being donated to Culturatti Kids.  Our goal is for Hoppa’s Big Move to reach all 50 states.  You can get your copy here.   

Spread the Word

You can show your support and help spread the word by joining us at Facebook, Twitter, Ning or Hoppa’s Big Move Blog.

Author, Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, will visit any public elementary school in the country to speak to students about literature, becoming an author, publishing and, of course, Hoppa’s Big Move.  Author visits are free with no obligation.  Please contact Aprill Shelburne, Director of School Partnerships for more information or to schedule a visit.

Book donations may be mailed to our office at:

 Culturatti Kids
11650 Olio Road
Suite 1000-269
Fishers, IN 46037

Contact us at 888-849-6070 or support@culturattikids.org to arrange bulk shipments.

Cursive Writing. Dying. Art.

Erika Roman Saint-Pierre is the author of Hoppa's Big Move, co-author of the book, Locked In, and Executive Director of Culturatti Kids, a youth-based literary arts organization benefiting public schools in need.