I have returned this moment from Radnor Middle School, where I left three copies of House of Dance along the bus line. The former Dr. Dewsnap teaches there now, having moved there awhile ago from the high school where she inspired me and, ultimately, many pages in my first young adult novel, Undercover.
The books are there to be discovered. They are there as part of the terrific national program, Operation Teen Book Drop, which celebrates its second anniversary today and owes its birth to the extraordinary founders of readergirlz.
I borrow the following text from the readergirlz press release, so that you might know more and celebrate with all of us who are honored to reach out to younger readers.
In its second year, “Operation TBD” (short for Teen Book Drop), puts free books donated by 18 book publishers into the hands of many teens most in need of escape, inspiration and a sense of personal accomplishment. Books with exceptional characters and fabulous stories can provide just that for teens and their families dealing with difficult, long-term hospital stays.
At a time when philanthropic giving is down, readergirlz co-founders have been inspired by overwhelming industry support for Operation TBD. “readergirlz is always looking for innovative ways to connect teens with literature, “ said Dia Calhoun, co-founder of readergirlz and acclaimed young-adult author. “We’re honored that publishers have supported this goal by giving so liberally this year.”
Operation TBD also aims to encourage all teens to choose reading for pleasure as a leisure activity, over other entertainment options. Inciting the broader teen community to participate in Operation TBD in its drive to spur reading on a national scale, readergirlz has launched a trailer on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/readergirlz) inviting teens and YA authors to leave a book in a public place on April 16. When visiting www.readergirlz.com, participants can download bookplates to insert into the books they’ll leave behind, which explain the surprise to the recipient and tell them to read and enjoy.
Yay you!
We're off, soon, to rock the drop, too.
Go readergirlz.
That above comment was me. (Not E)
How wonderful to be a part of that.
Fantastic! Thank you! :)
Very cool! So glad to have found this site (through Sherrie @ Write About Now)!
What an awesome idea - kind of like BookCrossing, but targeted. My teen is currently out of town, but maybe I'll "drop" a book in her room for her to find when she gets back. Thanks for sharing this!
Yay! I hope they make it into good hands. :)
Beth, is it possible for me to think you're any more cool than I already did? Thank you so much for reaching out to teens with your wonderful books!
You totally rock, Beth!
Not one, but three books -- excellent!
I had SUCH a good time doing this, and now even more fun reading your comments. It was a fun day, and, yes, a bit like BookCrossing, and Mari, I do hope those books make it into the right hands (so that my husband will stop giving me grief about being an impossible idealist), and, finally, Holly—I felt like the most uncool person staring into that photograph. My hair was soaking wet, and I had no make up on. So thank you for the boost of your comment!
Beth, You look absolutely lovely!!
Gorgeous you, gorgeous books! Yay, Beth!
Marvelous cause! It's so generous (but not surprising) of you to be involved.
And a beautiful photo as well!
XO
A.
Wasn't it fun and exhilarating? :)