Why you should follow...

@RIFWeb on #FollowFriday!

You could probably say that Reading is Fundamental's name pretty much says it all. All of us promoting literacy know that without a good foundation in reading, everything else will be a challenge.

Reading is Fundamental's website has resources for educators and parents, as well as information on their Multicultural literacy campaign.

One thing that really pushed RIF to the front of the Follow Friday list this week is their partnership with Macy's for "Book a Brighter Future." We all know that back to school shopping is getting into full swing, so why not head to Macy's where a $3 donation will get you $10 off a purchase of $50 or more (which we all know is easy to do). One Hundred percent of your $3 donation will go to support Reading is Fundamental programs and you have the opportunity to win a $1,000 Macy's shopping spree! So go back to school shopping and support literacy all at the same time...Oh, and follow RIF on Twitter at @RIFWeb!

Why You Should Follow...

@AlanasAchievers on #FollowFriday

At Culturatti Kids, we're all about helping youth find their potential, but its one thing for a group of adults to be telling youth that they should work hard and dream big. It's entirely another when a bright and talented youth reaches out to her own peers to encourage them, and that's exactly what Alana Ethridge does.

You may have seen Alana as one of the original members of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader.' Because of her success, she realized the importance of mentoring and giving back. Because of this she has started Alana's Achievers, an Athletes for Education program. This program helps youth set positive goals and promotes education and a healthy lifestyle.

Please check out Alana on her website, the Alana's Achivers page, and on Twitter!

Why You Should Follow...

@MrsPstorytime on #FollowFriday

Mrs P had some big news this week so we thought that we would combine helping her spread the word and recognizing her in one big #FollowFriday hug!

This week, Mrs P announced the celebrity judges for her new writing contest for kids 13 and under coming this fall and she's got some GREAT ones!

• Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and author of dozens of bestselling books of both fiction and non-fiction
• Andre Bormanis, writer and producer of the popular fantasy series, Legend of the Seeker and author of Star Trek: Science Logs
• Craig Ferguson, host of the CBS Late Late Show, noted screenwriter and author of the acclaimed novel, Between the Bridge and the River; and
  
• Diana Leszczynski, author of the novel, Fern Verdant and the Silver Rose, a comic adventure recently selected as a Smithsonian Notable Children’s Book and currently being developed as a motion picture.

The press release on Mrs P's website states that:
"Powell’s Books (www.Powells.com), the largest independent bookseller in the world, will be the official sponsor of the writing contest. Gift certificates to purchase books will be provided to all the winners. The Grand Prize winners’ will have their stories produced as videos with Mrs. P reading them aloud from her Magic Library. Original illustrations by professional artists will help bring the stories to life. The videos will be posted for a limited time on the web site (www.MrsP.com) for viewers all over the world to watch and enjoy. In addition, each winner will receive an actual bound copy of the story and illustrations as a keepsake to treasure for years to come."

Even without such big news, we think you should check out Mrs P. Go to her website here and follow her on Twitter too!

New Address

Mailbox
Originally uploaded by cindy47452

We just wanted everyone to know that we have a new address!

11650 Olio Road, Suite 1000
Fishers IN 46037

All of our other contact information is the same so feel free to contact us anytime!

Why You Should Follow...

@KidsAreHeroes on #FollowFriday !

"Children should be seen, not heard." How many times have you heard that? Well we're glad that the folks over at Kids Are Heroes don't believe that! They believe that every child has the potential to change the world and encourages them to do just that.

Their website not only recognizes kids that have made a difference, but also gives parents and kids suggestions on how they can become a hero. The best part is that this site was created by 10-year old MaryMargaret to help more kids in the world be heroes (oh and she got a bit of help from her dad too).

So please check out their site here and follow them on Twitter to learn how Kids Are Heroes!

We've been thinking...

Thinking... please wait
Originally uploaded by karola riegler photography

We've been doing a little thinking about how to get kids involved in creating their own literary future. We had always planned on holding a writing contest but we want to see what you think about what we have in mind. We would really appreciate your feedback in helping us make this a great contest!

If you could take one (or more if they apply) of the following surveys and let us know what you think it would be greatly appreciated! Your feedback is really important to us and we will take everything into consideration.

Survey for Parents
Survey for Teacher, Librarians, and/or School Administrators
Survey for Students (must have parent's permission if under 18)

Thanks in advance!!