Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Karma Chance! Make It Happen for the Kids...

Tragedy happens around the world on a daily basis. Israel and Palestine; Darfur; D.C. the last eight years...

The Texas Panhandle.

As many of my followers know, fellow writer, Travis Erwin, suffered a loss this past Monday - a fire that destroyed his home and all its contents. Fortunately, lives were spared.
A fund has been set up by two other authors: Erica Orloff and Stephen Parrish (bless their hearts). Here's the link where you can offer some financial support: http://www.habitatfortravis.blogspot.com/

And if you're feeling the crunch, as we all are, there's other ways to help. You can visit Travis's blog where he has posted an update and play by play of the fire. There he lists some of the things lost. Here's the link: http://traviserwin.blogspot.com/

As mentioned, thankfully, lives were spared, yet two small boys are without some favorite things - not a Wii, Playstation or fancy Blackberry, but BOOKS. I love these kids without ever meeting them. What I wouldn't give if every kid in the country were saddened over losing some books.

And wouldn't you know, I received a couple of Borders gift cards for Christmas. Not that I couldn't use a few more books to add to the towering Pisa known as my to-be-read pile. We're writers! Every writer receives Borders or B&N gift cards for Christmas - they're our crack! (Speaking for myself, I also enjoy a new pair of shoes - my real crack.)

Anyway, seems to me it'd be a great way to share your gifts. Now does anyone know what books boys like?

7 comments:

Edie Ramer said...

His sons are 6 and 8. The 8 year old would probably like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. There's a Marley and Me book for kids too. Since they have two dogs, they would probably like that.

I bought a building block for Travis. I'm iced in. I don't know if I could get out of my driveway.

Kath Calarco said...

Edie, thanks for the suggestions. I love the "Wimpy" kids title.

So sorry you're ice in. That said, keep cool! lol

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

Yes, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are great! The boys might also like the Captain Underpants books by Dav Pilkey or the Black Lagoon (The Principal from the Black Lagoon, The Teacher from the Black Lagoon...) books by Mike Thaler.

Kath Calarco said...

Robin, thanks for those titles. I'm going to try getting something out to them soon!

Erica Orloff said...

Anything by Andrew Clements. "Frindle" is my favorite.

E

Kath Calarco said...

Thanks, Erica. Since I don't have any young ones at home any more, I'm way out of the YA loop. I'm going to send something out today.

Anonymous said...

Oh no! I hadn't heard about this, so thanks for spreading the word. I enjoy Travis's writing, and can tell just from what he has to say and how he has to say it that he's a great person. Wishing him the best.