A Call for Submissions

Poet, activist, public speaker (and more), Etan Thomas, is spearheading a book project called "Voices of Our Future." Writers ages 13 to 25 are encouraged to submit verse or prose for possible inclusion in this book. He is looking to wrap up the project soon.

You can paste the URL below to learn more about the project.(Could not make my blog link to it for some reason.) I also encourage you to do a search on Etan Thomas Voices Future, and read some of the articles written about and by this man, the project, and about his 2005 collection of poetry, "More Than an Athlete." He truly is more than a professional basketball player. (Currently with Oklahoma City Thunder, previously the Washington Wizards).


http://www.webook.com/project/Voices-of-Our-Future-edited-by-Etan-Thomas

Call It A Comeback?

Hello readers and fellow bloggers. As some of you already know, For Children's Sake has been in limbo due to some health issues and personal concerns that have been all-consuming. Rest assured, I have been gathering info and compiling books, music, and products for review, and please keep checking back now and again for updates. Take care! ~B.

Reading IS Fundamental

The oldest and largest children's and families' literacy nonprofit organization in the U.S. is Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Reading is Fundamental works with kids, their parents, and community members to help reading become a fun part of everyday life.

RIF's focus is mainly underserved children 8 years or younger. RIF provideds 4.5 million kids with 16 million new, free books and literary resources - every year.

If you would like to become a community volunteer or just want more info, RIF's website is www.RIF.org.

Buy in Bulk from the Dollar Tree

I love the Dollar Tree. The store carries such a wide variety of items, and when I am planning for a party, teacher appreciation luncheon, volunteer banquet...whatevskies...it is nice to be able to decorate or give out gifts or goodies bags without breaking the bank.

Everything at DollarTree.com is also $1 or less. AND if you ship items to a local Dollar Tree store instead of 2 your home, shipping is free. Woo-hoo!

My only problem with the site is that some of the sizes of the lots are just too big. I might actually find a use for 48 black frames, though, especially since my daughter loves to create masterpieces for me on the regular!

Anyway, Dollar Tree online already has about 750 products, and they are constantly expanding that.

Happy shopping!

Use iPhone to Name Your Baby

Name That Baby! is a relatively new iPhone application that provides baby name possibilities by the thousands. (Released October 2008) You just choose a gender and a starting letter, and give the iPhone a shake. Name that Baby! makes a rattle sound during the shaking.

You can even save name candidates to a favorites list.

Makes a fun gift for expectant parents and a perfect baby shower activity. At only $3.99, Name that Baby is a bargain compared to most books of baby names.

For more info, visit www.doubletapapps.com.

Shake your iPhone, but never never ever ever shake your baby!

Win Free Sprout Organic Baby Food

Due Maternity (designer maternity clothing and accessories) is giving customers a chance to win one month's supply of free Sprout Organic Baby Food from its partner, SproutBaby.com through the online store at www.DueMaternity.com.

Good taste, good quality, good nutrition, and good for the planet. Awesomeness, right?

Go to www.duematernity.com/maternity-contest.html to enter and to learn more about Sprout Organic Baby Food.

Borders and Waldenbooks - "Super Saturday Smackdown" Trivia Tournament

Borders and Waldenbooks across the nation will host "Super Saturday Smackdown" at 2 pm June 27th. So head on over this weekend for trivia fun ("Jeopardy!" style). Some possible trivia categories are: Dr. Seuss, Encyclopedia Brown, Junie B. Jones, Nate the Great, Magic Tree House, Harry Potter, Fudge, Pendragon, and the Artemis Fowl books. There is a prize for the victor!

In select stores, there will also be an arts and crafts project available and storytime. During the event, kids will be provided with samples of drinks from the Seattle's Best Coffee cafe located in most Borders superstores.

Border's "Summer Reading Challenge" continues through August 31st. Kids age 12 and under who read 8 books and list the books they have read on the "Summer Reading Challenge" form ("coupon") found in Borders or Waldenbooks stores, or at www.borders.com/summerreading, can choose from select books after a parent signs the form. These books are all priced at only $4.99, which is 50 percent or more off their usual price.

If you want to find out if a Borders or Waldenbooks store in your area will be holding a "Super Saturday Smackdown" event, and what other upcoming events are being offered, use the Store Locator function on Borders.com.

Sounds like a fun way to generate excitement for summer reading!