Get Behind the Book

I HAD the PLEASURE of meeting with Jo Umans (Executive Director) and Denise Bell (Director of Development) a few weeks ago over coffee to discuss Behind the Book as a potential beneficiary. Eric Obenauf and I were still in the nascent stages of planning the "Get Lit" benefit; we had a few non-profits in mind, and I was taking time out to formally meet with each one. Though they were all doing great things, none of them had the same successful mix of contagious energy and practical viability that Jo and Denise expressed at our first meeting.

What struck me right away is that Behind the Book is unique -- whereas many well-meaning organizations will strive to teach kids how to read, they seldom teach kids why to read, and, more importantly, how to love to read. BtheB does just that: they work closely with teachers at each of their designated public schools to build a full lesson plan around a particular book. And not only do they bring smart and readable contemporary literature into the classroom, but they also bring that author in as a way of engaging the students. I interpreted this as a way to both demystify literature -- making it seem so much more accessible -- and apply a greater personal meaning for the students. In addition, each child is given a copy of the book -- for many of them, it's the first book they've ever owned.

It's an amazing experience, and I look forward to tagging along with the team this year on one of the school visits. I'm also hoping that our Get Lit 2006 benefit will raise the awareness and funds necessary to help keep BtheB doing such amazing work.

I will be providing a PayPal link to subsequent articles so that Gather members can donate directly to BtheB and our upcoming "Get Lit" benefit. I will also be communicating a lot more information on the benefit in the near future. In the meantime, save the date: 9/10/06.

Contact me (Chris Steib) at voidmedia@gmail.com with any questions about BtheB or "Get Lit 2006."

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"Behind the Book is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a life-long love of reading and writing in young people. We bring authors & illustrators into schools and other venues to get kids not only excited about contemporary literature, but also interested in exploring the written word for themselves." To learn more or to donate, please visit www.behindthebook.org.

Chris Steib is the Editor in Chief of VoidMagazine.com