Brownsville Community Justice Center in Brooklyn is in need of 200-300 new or gently read books for young people ages 10-16. To reflect the young people in the neighborhood, it is asked that the books be #ownvoices or books that accurately center Native Americans or Children of Color. Lauren Abramo tweeted that “This is part of a project to turn Belmont Ave into a thriving business district that is safe, accessible, and welcoming to the community.” BCJC would like to receive the books in time for its Back to School Street Festival on 25 August when they’ll launch Little Free Libraries in the neighborhood’s pedestrian corridor. For information on where to send the books, contact Laura at labramo@dystel.com. I’ve got three boxes which include ARCs and other books packed up and ready to ship.

“According to For the Sake of All (2015), a multi-disciplinary report about the well being of Blacks in St. Louis, it’s estimated that for every $1 invested in quality early childhood education for Black children, the region will see a return of between $3 and $17 in benefits, including reduced crime, improved health, and an uptick in higher education.” source

St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature Initiative is planning to donate 1000 books to 1000 Parents in 1000 families and they need our help to do so. I really admire that their campaign centers the work of local African American authors in a campaign design to promote early literacy. You can donate here. http://stlblackauthors.com/product/reading-1000-book-box/