Worth and Soul of Words, September 2024 newsletter by Ken Baker, author for young readers
The National Institute for Literacy indicates that children who develop more skills in the preschool years perform better in the primary grades
, especially in the case of literacy.1 But what happens to those children whose home 's lack a single children 's book to read? The answer is obvious. Early literacy skills do not get developed, creating a cascading array of lifelong challenges for the child.
Unfortunately, the US Department of Education has indicated that up to 61 percent of low‐income families don't have any children's books in their home. Additionally, forty‐five percent of children in U.S. lack access to a public library or stores that sell books, let alone be able to afford to buy books As a result, 32.4 million American children do not have books in their home. That means children in low‐income families start life with a significant disadvantage when it comes to literacy, as well as being able to rise above their poverty level.6
The good news is, through volunteer efforts and donations to various organization, you can help get books into the homes of low‐income children and help change the trajectory of their lives in a extraordinarily positive way. Some of these organizations include Operation Literacy (see interview below), BookSmiles, World Literacy Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, Reach Out and Read, Book Trust, Ferst Readers, Books for Africa, and others.
Make a difference in children's lives and help get books in their homes.
Shout out!
Operation Literacy is a non‐profit organization that works hard to get books into the hands of disadvantaged children. They're also known for their nationally‐known Teen Author Boot Camp. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer Jenkins, the co‐founder of Operation Literacy and YA novelist. Here are some highlights from our conversation.
Book business and life ‐ Creating a better world
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Over the years I've written several novels that garnered interest from publishing houses but were never published. I've decided to publish them myself in a serial fiction format, and then perhaps later as an ebook. I'm starting with a fantasy, Heaven’s Warrior and a thriller, Deadly Dimensions. The first few chapters are free and I'm using two different platforms so you can choose the platform you prefer to read them on.
Ream Stories (Both stories)
Amazon Vella (Heaven’s Warrior) Amazon Vella (Deadly Dimensions)
What I love
Missed July's newsletter? Check it out!
1. National Institute for Literacy, Early Beginnings: Early Literacy Knowledge and Instruction.
2. Michaela Haas, How Books Are Reaching Kids in 'Book Deserts',
Reasons to be Cheerful, January 22, 2024
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Copyright 2001-2023 by Ken Baker
How to Care for your T-Rex pictures by Dave Coverly
Old MacDonald had a Dragon pictures by Christopher Santoro
Brave Little Monster pictures by Geoffrey Hayes
Cow Can't Sleep pictures by Steve Gray