The Kids Need to Read project, led by sci-fi author PJ Haarsma and supported by actor Nathan Fillion and many volunteers has been officially launched.
One of the goals of this charitable program is to encourage active literacy in reluctant young readers. It is difficult for books to compete against the constant bombardment of advertising for television, movies, video games and other electronics aimed at children. Add to that a young person who finds reading difficult and there is little incentive for them to pick up a book. Mr. Haarsma’s imaginative and fast-paced book, The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1, has proven to be immensely appealing to children who have lost interest in books. It will be the first book Kids Need to Read donates to libraries in need. The commitment of Kids Need to Read is to expand the project to include other books, authors and celebrities so that more children will be exposed to the enrichment that reading can bring to their lives. The names of libraries that would benefit from book donations can be submitted at the Kids Need to Read website.
To raise funds, this program sells special packages, the total profits of which are used to buy books for needy schools and libraries. The package prices start as low as $5 and range up to $95. Of special interest to Nathan Fillion fans is a spectacular fan package filled with an amazing array of items. Among the many items included are copies of The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1, signed by both PJ and Nathan; autographed limited edition collector’s cards and a CD featuring Nathan’s awesome audio recording of the first three chapters of The Softwire. But there’s even more than that - you can find out what goodies are available at the Kids Need to Read website www.kidsneedtoread.org.
