I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how I can give back in 2017, and I came up with a big, ambitious plan to help students and schools. It’s called BOOKS FOR CHANGE, but in order for it to work I need your help.
I want to give 1000 books and 10 author visits to underfunded schools!
(Click to support! It’s quick, easy, and any amount helps!)
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
I’ve visited over a hundred elementary and middle schools across the country, and I’ve seen first hand how professional author visits make a powerful difference for students. Unfortunately, some of the schools who could benefit the most from such visits often have no budget to bring authors in. And the students who could benefit the most from getting a book often can’t buy one. I want to change this by giving students an inspiring new novel, and an experience with the author that they’ll never forget.
WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT THIS?
A lot of schools have suffered huge budget cuts over the past several years. As a result, many schools can no longer afford to bring authors in, and they’re cutting other literacy and creativity programs. In addition, some of the students I’ve visited in underfunded schools don’t own a single age-appropriate book. By supporting BOOKS FOR CHANGE, you’re not only providing these students with books, you’re giving them the opportunity to meet an author 
and learn about how books are written.
HOW DO I SUPPORT BOOKS FOR CHANGE?
It’s quick and easy! Just go to www.youcaring.com/Books4Change and click “Donate Now.” You can also see a video I made there about the 
program (I’m terrible at making videos). All of your support will go toward purchasing books that will be given to schools. I’ll donate school visits to deliver those books, and I won’t make any income on this endeavor. I’ll also post photos from the visits, so you can see the impact your support is having. (Note: I’m going to try to get books at a discount from the publisher, so as little as $12 dollars will put a brand new, hardcover book in the hands of a young reader, and give him/her a personal experience with the author.)
WHAT BOOK WILL BE GIVEN AWAY?
My newest novel for young readers, The Last Panther, is coming out with Random House in August 2017, just in time for the school year. It’s the story of Kiri and her father who capture the last known Florida panther, and embark on a journey to save it.
The book connects to curriculum goals for 4th-7th grades, and the focus on characters facing social, environmental, and economic challenges makes it an ideal book to discuss. Most importantly, the book contains a powerful message of hope—even the youngest of us can make a difference. I believe that when people take positive actions to help others, it builds confidence and character. Ultimately, that’s what I want the students who are given these books to be empowered to do.
HOW DO I GET FREE BOOKS AND A FREE AUTHOR VISITS FOR MY SCHOOL?
Contact me at toddmitchellbooks.com. I’m creating a list of eligible underfunded schools in Colorado that I 
can visit in fall 2017. The number of schools I’ll be able to visit and give books to depends on how much funding I raise before the visit.
WHAT’S AN UNDERFUNDED SCHOOL?
Most Title 1 schools would qualify, as well as other Colorado elementary and middle schools that haven’t been able to afford bringing an author to their school in the past, or schools where a large part of the student population cannot afford to buy books. If you think your Colorado school might qualify and would like an author visit, email me at 
ToddMitchellBooks@hotmail.com.
WHAT IF MY SCHOOL ISN’T UNDERFUNDED?
No worries. I still do visits professionally, and I still need to earn a living. If you’d like to bring me out to your school, please check out my Author Visits page for reviews, rates, and program possibilities. Or send me an email at ToddMitchellBooks@hotmail.com to schedule a visit.
Click to support! Any amount helps!
Please spread the word about this program to any teachers, students, and schools you know! And thank you for your support!
First offf I would loke to say tetrific blog!
I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if youu do not
mind. I wwas curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior
to writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts iin getting my thoughts out there.
I do enjoy writing but it just seems lke the first 10 to 15
minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!