Better World Books Blog - Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Community Outreach & more

We’re Looking for the Top Chef, America’s Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance Winner of Libraries!

Erin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:59:48 +0000

That’s right folks, our 2nd Annual LEAP for Libraries Grant Application is NOW OPEN and we’re searching for today’s library program game-changers.

What is LEAP?
LEAP stands for Literacy and Education in Action Program. A portion of every book purchased on BetterWorldBooks.com supports literacy and education around the world. We use LEAP as a way to support libraries and literacy non-profits through grants.

Who Won the LEAP for Libraries Grant Last Year?
Approximately 3.5 million dollars worth of grant requests and almost 240 applications were reviewed by the Better World Books Literacy and Library Council in 2011. While there were countless worthy projects, six emerged as the winning grant recipients. You can find their winning grant stories at www.betterworldbooks.com/librarygrants.

What Grants are Available This Year for Libraries?
This year, $30,000 in funding is available; maximum grant amount per project is $15,000.

How Do We Win?

Projects should address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community. Literacy needs are defined by broadly identifying, understanding, interpreting, creating, communicating, and computing information to live a more fulfilling and productive life.
Libraries may pitch only one project each, with a maximum award of $15,000. Please be sure to clearly outline the project elements that require the requested funds.
Projects that involve partnerships with local government agencies are highly encouraged.
Projects that will have a measurable and long term impact on an underserved population and will continue to operate after grant funds have been utilized will be looked upon favorably.
Better World Books looks forward to reviewing applications that bring a fresh and inspired approach to challenging issues.

When is the Deadline?
February 6th – Applications open.
April 9th – Applications due.
April 10-May 30 – Selection period.
May 31 – Winner announced!
June 2012 – Donations dispersed.

I’m Sold! How Do We Apply?
Go to www.betterworldbooks.com/librarygrants for more information and to download the application..

Please share this opportunity with all remarkable library partners and friends you know!

No bathroom breaks: A day in the life of a teacher

Erin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:24:20 +0000

My mom is an educator. Growing up, she always told me that she – and all my teachers – had eyes in their back of her head. She also said that she never had time to use the restroom, to each her lunch (or dinner for that matter), to check her email or voicemails, or even to take one of those deep yoga breaths she so loves.I tended to have a meaningful, teacher’s pet relationship with my teachers. I remember thinking they had plenty of time to eat lunch, use the toilet, chat with their fiances on the phone and play with us in sports after school. Apparently, I did not believe my mom and I also seriously took my sweet teachers for granted.

The past few months I have spent time in a diverse array of schools cross the country filming success stories of our non-profit partners empowering students, teachers and families through education. Everyone who meets me thinks I have this huge enthusiasm for life and a love for my work which gives me an immense amount of energy. Well friends, I am exhausted. These teachers work. so. hard.

Suzie in rural Oklahoma, Justine in San Francisco, Suzanne in Georgia, Kristen in New York - none of them sit down. They are on their feet from 6am to 8pm prepping, planning, creating, caring, listening, lecturing, reading and reviewing. Repeat. Their hearts are huge. I am starting to think teachers are born with bigger hearts than the rest of us. And much more patience. Oh my goodness, the patience! Teaching the same lesson over and over again to that student who just refuses to listen. These teachers don’t give up on their kids. They give just as much attention to the ESL students freshly arrived in America as to the honors International Baccalaureate students who strive to attend Stanford.

These teachers have grace. They give dignity. They are educating our future. They are the best chance we have at world peace, love and prosperity. Yet what are they given? A discount code for Better World Books? Decent health insurance? A “stable” job? They have student loans. They have families. They have laid off husbands and wives and children serving in the military overseas. They have hopes and dreams to travel and help educate those even less fortunate around our planet.

I want to give teachers more. I want to give them whatever Better World Books and our community (yes, you!) can do to make teaching a little bit easier. I want to give them thanks.

Please take a moment to write a note to a teacher that changed your life. That helped your children. That inspired your work. Share the messages below and hopefully you can also track down your teacher to personally thank him or her too!

What teacher was most influential in your life? Please share your thank-you note to him or her below.

Shop From Work Week — I mean, uh — Key Decisioning Factors in Making Forward Progress

Erin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:16:49 +0000

Industry analysts widely agree that to really hit a task-driven home run, natural synergies must be achieved that [1] critically add value, [2] engage in total quality (TQM) management, [3] ramp up win-win productivity, and [4] aggressively pursue mindshare on a holistic level. OK, are all the supervisors gone? Good. It’s the second annual Shop From Work Week!

At Better World Books, we know our customers are a hard-working bunch. We know that, but your boss might not. So you know what? Maybe you don’t need to tell her or him about this. Because we want to let you in on the most workplace-friendly sale of them all.

Don’t get us wrong, the Shop From Work Week Sale isn’t about slacking off — it’s about doing twice as much in the same amount of time. What supervisor wouldn’t want you to double your throughput? At the end of the day, you deserve a great price on a good book. We’ve got both, and every book you purchase at BetterWorldBooks.com, we donate a book to someone who needs it badly.

Make sure to check out our Shop From Work Sale today.

And on the off-chance that any bosses out there have read this far, let us make a case for loosening up a little this week. Wouldn’t you want your employees to be accomplish more, lend a hand to someone who needs books, AND have a happier attitude at the office — all on your watch? That’s some serious thought leadership on your part. We’ll even let you take all the credit.

Meet Agnes: She Went From Hiding in the Jungle to Becoming an Accountant

Erin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:21:55 +0000

Try reading this short story and closing your eyes to think about it:

Imagine you are four years old. Your parents farm the food you eat every day. You sing songs and dance in joy around your fruitful village with your many siblings. Life is good.

Now you’re five years old. You just started primary school and are so excited to get a freshly pressed pink and blue uniform, books and a composition notepad. You walk home from school with a smile on your face. Your mother looks frightened. She stumbles through your sack of clothes and sends you off to sleep in the jungle. You are too scared to sleep.

For five years you walk to school, never getting a new book or uniform again. Each night you hide in the jungle, fearing that you will be kidnaped and forced to attack your family, become a sex slave or to do whatever the rebels ask of you. This is the only life you could ever see for yourself.

Fast forward ten more years. You are now 20 years old and you are about to graduate from University with a degree in Accounting. You have a fresh pressed uniform again, loads of books, and control of your future. Your life has completely changed.

What happened?

Watch Agnes’s story to find out.

Lauded Author Says Thank You to Fans of BWB

Erin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:02:34 +0000

Guest post from Author Christopher Barzak. Barzak’s message below is a significant shout-out to Better World Books fans who chose his book as one of their favorite stories about America. In it, he discusses the meaning of Place and how it informs his work.

A couple months ago, Better World Books posted a list of books people could read in order to see different parts of the world through the perspectives presented in literature. I was really honored and thrilled that my first novel, One for Sorrow, was included on the list of books for the United States. Not only was John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, Stephen King and F. Scott Fitzgerald on that list, but there was me and my first novel! How could my little novel be one selected as book through which a reader could “see” the United States?

Place, I think, is the reason why One for Sorrow might have been selected for the list. As a writer, I’m inspired by the places I’ve lived and those I visit for any length of time that allows me to sink my roots into the soil for a bit, to draw on the stories that surround and infuse any particular patch of earth. My second novel, for instance, The Love We Share Without Knowing, is set in Japan, where I lived for two years teaching English in rural elementary and middle schools. If I’d never lived in Japan for that long, I might never have written a story set there. Some writers can write about anywhere, but I don’t think they always capture the feeling or spirit of a place as a writer who has been somewhere in particular, or especially lived somewhere. They capture a setting, but not the place, and these are two different degrees of narrative, I think.

When I write a story or novel, place is often the source of inspiration. I collect photographs of inspiring locales, I collect stories that rise up out of the locals of a place, the folklore of urban and suburban and rural people, I gather artifacts—talismans—that represent a place for me. The first time I visited Seattle a year ago, for instance, I brought home three white shells from the beach, and an eagle feather. When I look at them, I still see the shoreline and the mountains rising over the ocean, somehow, as if by magic, in the distance. I see the towering trees of Seattle’s rainforest, and it’s because of these items I brought home with me that I can access those images and sensory details more easily. They are not magical, but they act as if by magic in the way that they provide me with an immediate access to past memories.

Like that, I also collect talismans and other sorts of evocative artifacts in the stories I write. In One for Sorrow, the story is set in a small, dying mill town in America’s Rustbelt, a setting that is not often explored in fiction. It’s still a new landscape, and very misunderstood by most other Americans, I think, and sometimes when I look at the bookshelves at my local bookseller, I see a great absence for this place I call home. It seems everyone is reading about L.A. and NYC, or other megalopolises that have been represented over and over again in books. There’s a particularly American story to be gotten from stories and novels set in those great, hulking cities, but they are only one part of the American story. A lot of other parts of the American narrative aren’t as visible, and I think telling the story of one of America’s ghost towns through the eyes of a young man who can see the ghosts, thus being able to tell some of their stories of a American town that has disappeared over the last generation, is the reason why One for Sorrow made that list.

America is more than bursting-at-the-seams-with-dreams hyper-urban places. There are many places in America where dreams have fled, or died, or have been forgotten. And their stories tells as much a tale about America as the cities that dominate our American imaginations.

What place do you think is overlooked in modern-day literature? How would you write about it?

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from author Christopher Barzak. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Christopher, we appreciate the insight on your novels. For more info on Christopher, visit his blog.

Why Steve Jobs Is Now My Constant Companion

Erin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:43:15 +0000

Guest blog by BWB Change Agent, Activist & Author, Pattie Baker

You think you get 80 years. Steve Jobs’ recent death knocked the wind out of that one, and snapped back into focus for me that we have one day (this day) to live our fullest lives. Jobs had barely been on my radar–I have never owned an Apple product, and I’ve walked into an Apple store exactly once, while on vacation, simply to check my email (I don’t even text). Yet, I saw that face looking up at me at the last of the big-box book stores. And for some reason, he spoke to me (smart marketing decision, that face). I requested the book from my husband as a holiday gift, and I received it.

Thus began my life transformation. First, let’s start by saying that I read books rather slowly, not because I’m a conscientious, deliberate reader but because by the time night comes, the opening of the book and the almost-immediate closing of the eyes have become a Pavlovian response. It is common for me to dog-ear the same page day after day after day. So picking up this 600-page behemoth elicited snickers from my family.

Yet Steve quickly became my constant companion. He rode with me in the car and stood in line with me at the post office. He walked with me to the supermarket and I read while I strolled (carefully). He even kept me company during that annual three-hour mammogram/ultrasound appointment where I mostly shuffle from waiting room to waiting room in a blue gown, hoping to dodge the family-history bullet for another year. Two other women brought him as well, and thus began what became a common occurrence over this timeframe for me–the recognition of a secret society of people completely addicted to this book. We smiled at each other, we talked briefly, and we collectively dove back in, almost sorry when our names were called.

I heard some recurring comments while I was reading the book all over town. ”I can’t put it down.” ”Can you believe this story?” “Every single page is a page turner.” ”Don’t you just love it?” And even, “Time to go to bed with Steve” from a friend who sent me a photo of the book sitting on her pillow, with its jacket off. She and I had discovered we were both reading it as we dug in a food pantry garden together, and out of the blue she whispered, “Have you read the Steve Jobs book yet?” Trowels got the towel, and it was all about Steve from that moment on.

So, the book. Let me tell you briefly about the book. First of all, the story is completely fascinating, how Steve was adopted, what happened at college, the whole apple farm thing, the drugs, the friends he made, the famous tinkering in the garage, and the building, demise, and rebuilding of an empire. Oh, wait, not just one empire, but two. You do know about Pixar, too, don’t you?

The guy was completely socially inappropriate. If you’re anything like me, you’ll talk about the fruit diet thing and the way he smelled for days. The guy was nasty, as in extremely nasty (my personal conclusion is that you can be a genius and change the world while still being nice, and I’m holding onto that). The guy simply made up his own rules (um, yeah, you really do need to get a license plate when you drive a car) and he truly believed that he could bend reality, not just view it in his own way but actually bend it, change it.

Goodness, let me not go too far without giving Walter Isaacson, the author of Steve Jobs, the major shout-out he deserves. Although mostly chronological, this book suddenly isn’t. Although mostly told from an observers’ position, this book suddenly welcomes Isaacson dipping in and out in the first-person. Although presenting a whole lot of technology details, Isaacson never once caused me to glaze over or skim–not once, in 600 pages. In fact, by the time I finished reading this book, I found myself wondering about Albert Einstein, Ben Franklin, and Henry Kissinger (all biographies Isaacson has written). Hint: If you’re a high school teacher, get this man’s books into your students’ hands immediately. They will fall in love with the power of storytelling and the relevance of history.

And now, back to Steve. Yes, now his story is history. But I suspect there is not one person who puts down that book who won’t be changed, and who won’t somehow carry forward the best of the man. For me, I already see his impact. I’ve quit some things. I’ve pursued some others. I’ve lost a little patience. I’ve spoken out a bit more. I’ve gotten in some trouble. I’ve lived a little louder. I’ve celebrated my passion and reconsidered some weaknesses as possibly strengths. I’ve dreamed a bigger dream. I’ve stretched. And it’s only been a month.

I would be so bold to say that Steve Jobs, by Water Isaacson, is the best book I’ve read in my life, and having read it now, at this precise crossroads on my personal and professional journey, will prove to change its entire outcome, in ways I can only right now imagine. The important thing? I’m imagining more. In that way, Steve continues to be my constant companion.

You can immediately pay it forward by ordering Steve Jobs, by Water Isaacson, from Better World Books, and help literacy projects close to home and around the world as a result. In fact, delivering easy-to-access, affordable books (specifically text books) was Jobs’ next goal. Interestingly, that’s actually how Better World Books got its start.

Wow, Pattie’s post makes me so interested that I am buying the book from our site right now. Have you read it? Did you have the same life-changing experience as Pattie? What lessons did you learn and how are you imagining more? Please share your thoughts below. Thank you!

*Note* The above guest post is from a dear friend of Better World Books, Pattie Baker. Pattie is a writer specializing in sustainability. She writes FoodShed Planet (www.foodshedplanet.com), and for corporations and publications. Her book, “Food for My Daughters,” is available at Better World Books. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Pattie, your thoughts and actions consistently challenge and inspire us to be better!

Are You a True Student of the World?

Erin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:15:23 +0000

I asked the leaders of Students of the Worldto answer a few questions so we could share their impactful story with you.Mission:

Students of the World (SOW) serves those who serve others by using media to shine a light on the progress of innovative groups working to solve the world’s problems.

By shifting focus from problems to solutions and empowering young people to use the tools they have at hand– media and technology– we envision a generation that redefines what it means to “give back” and places progress at the center of national dialogue.

Books that inspire Students of the World and why:

The most recent book that has inspired us is called Generation We by Eric Greenberg all about the incredible social and political power of the Millennial generation. Millennials are who we are and who we work with, so it is inspiring to read books that reinforce our desire and potential for social change.

How did Students of the World get started?

SOW started was a student organization at Duke University in 1999 by current Executive Director Courtney Spence. Her vision was to create an organization where students had the ability to give back through through storytelling– to use media to make a powerful difference and contribute to the global community. If our generation is to become citizens of the world, we must also be students of the world. We need to study, understand, and share stories of how people are addressing issues in order to advance the progress being made in the world.

Why does the organization exist?

SOW provides a platform for teams of creative, talented college students to connect with innovative nonprofits. Our teams increase awareness and support for nonprofits by shining a light on the work that they are doing.

What type of person works for Students of the World? What type interns/serves?

Our staff, students, and alumni comprise a diverse, yet like-minded group. We have different talents and areas of expertise, but we all are passionate about using media to share stories of progress and highlighting positive change. Our team members are compassionate, creative, and globally-minded individuals who want to make a difference and believe that they can make it happen.

What are some of the non-profit literacy organizations you partner with?

While we have yet to partner with literacy-focused nonprofits, we have worked with organizations that have a holistic education and development model such as Telecurso, Tomorrow’s Youth Organization and the Broadmoor Improvement Association. Education is a key area of focus for SOW, and we would love to shine a light on the groups addressing literacy in innovative ways.

How many videos have you produced for organizations around the world?

Since we partnered with the Clinton Global Inititative in 2006, Students of the World has produced more than 75 videos for our partner organizations. The media packages we produce are tailored for each partner, so nonprofits often will receive a suite of videos of different lengths and different purposes.
How can people donate to/get involved with Students of the World?

As with many nonprofits, we are always seeking donations, both financial and in-kind, in order to support our programming and further our mission. Financial donations can me made through our website and are tremendously helpful to our programming and operations. Since our programming involves a tremendous amount of travel, both domestic and international, donations of air miles are a very helpful way for someone to support SOW. Another way people can get involved is to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We are expanding our reach and growing with new initiatives, so those are the best places to stay up-to-date on all things SOW. There are always many ways to support what we do and we appreciate any help that we can get!

Is there anything else you’d like to say about Students of the World?

2012 is definitely going to be a very big and exciting year for SOW as we are scaling our mission to increase the impact of the work that we produce and increase the number of individuals that become involved. Donating, volunteering, “liking” us on facebook, or following on twitter are some of the ways that can support us in this objective and anyone can email info@studentsoftheworld.org for more information.

Do you have any questions for SOW or words of encouragement to share with their team? Are you involved with a non-profit and would like SOW to help you share your story? Comment below.

Top 10 Favorite Authors

Erin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:36:05 +0000

Here’s a top 10 Tuesday list that should be very helpful in your book-browsing endeavors. Check out these BWB fan favorite authors to find your next great read.

1. Terry Pratchett
Co-Author of “Good Omens” with the number two pick. Pratchett also wrote “Unseen Academicals,” “The Wee Free Men,” “The Color Magic,” and many other novels.

2. Neil Gaiman
Co-Author of “Good Omens” with the number one pick. Gaiman also wrote “The Graveyard Book,” “American Gods,” and “Neverwhere” to name a few.

3. Kurt Vonnegut
Most famous for his anti-war book “Slaughterhouse-five,” Vonnegut also wrote a satirical commentary on modern man, “Cat’s Cradle,” and “Breakfast of Champions,” examining fiction as truth, as well as “Welcome to the Monkey House,” full of his short stories… plus many more.

4. Jane Austen
“Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” are Austen’s two most loved English romance novels that also serve as historical fiction and social commentary.5. Janet Evanovich
Evanovich is famed for her series of 18 contemporary mysteries including every book from “Explosive Eighteen” to “One for the Money.”

6. Madeleine L’Engle
Highly celebrated for her children’s novel “A Wrinkle in Time,” L’Engle also wrote three more books in the quintet.

7. Pat Conroy
Award-winning Southern novelist Conroy’s latest hit is “South of Broad.” He’s also enamoured for “Beach Music,” “The Lords of Discipline,” and “The Prince of Tides.”

8. Harper Lee
Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” continually makes the top 10 list of books sold on betterworldbooks.com. She also won a Pulitzer Prize for the novel.

9. Maya Angelou
Trailblazer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has published over 30 bestselling titles. Some fan favorites include “I Know why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Letter to my Daughter,” and “And Still I Rise.”

10. Stephen King
King’s most recent hit “11/22/63” is receiving much praise from our fans. He also famously wrote the thrillers “The Shining,” “IT,” and many more.

Who is your favorite author and why? We’d love for you to share below.

Can Shopping Online Actually Teach You Something?

Erin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:48 +0000

Our partners at the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) have partnered with the Dollar General Literacy Foundationto teach families the value of financial responsibility through “A Day at Dollar General: Learn While Shopping.” The interactive online game recreates the experience of shopping in a real store and encourages children to learn while shopping.By expanding the definition of literacy to include smart financial habits, NCFL and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation are teaching children to make informed spending decisions that will help them reach their goals.

“A Day at Dollar General: Learn While Shopping” is tailored to families and children, providing them with a fun and interactive game that teaches good spending habits.

Families can complete the game in their homes or as part of a family-focused learning program, giving parents a forum to develop a deeper understanding of their own finances and share the lesson of smart money management with their children in an engaging way.Additionally, an accompanying Program Instructional Guide that features specific financial literacy lessons and intergenerational activities that parents can engage in with their children is available for download.

Visit http://www.famlit.org/learnandshop for more info on the interactive and Program instructional guide, or launch the interactive now.

What helped you learn financial literacy? Do you have any book recommendations we can share that helped you learn more about finances? Please let us know below.

A Must-Read Book Review: “Organic Manifesto”

Erin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:42:11 +0000

Guest post from our Twitter friend Hannah Giles

Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale is a deceptively thin book, chock full of imperative information about not only the environment, but more importantly, public health. Her perspective is far-reaching; her grandfather, J.I. Rodale, was one of the first advocates of modern organic agriculture, so it is no surprise that Rodale has written such a thorough book on what “going organic” really means.

When many people think about what the “organic” label means, it usually doesn’t drum up enthusiasm. Let’s be honest: it’s expensive, it looks the same, and sometimes even tastes the same! However, it differs in multiple ways from “conventional” food, and Rodale offers up nearly two-hundred pages of empirical evidence to explain how. In my opinion, it is one of the most important books you will ever read in the entirety of your existence.

What’s so important about this book? It answers tough questions with indisputable facts and science. Before reading Organic Manifesto, my family was trying to transition to organic food. I liked the quality and had read it was better for the environment. But with each page, I realized that I was not acquainted with my food in the sense that I had never seen where it came from, what it had been through, what it had been treated with, or the soil in which it grew. I had never seen how my food was affecting those farming it, those eating it, and the earth it was farmed on.

In the book, Maria Rodale says, “If you do just one thing — make one conscious choice — that can change the world, go organic.” I’m saying if you read just one book in 2012, make it Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale. I promise (scout’s honor!) that you will not walk away feeling guilty. You will walk away feeling informed and encouraged.

What do you think about organic food? Have any book recommendations that focus on this topic?

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our Twitter friend Hannah. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Hannah!

Meet Daniela: From a dust-covered face to a self-assured young girl

Erin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:14:06 +0000

Six year old Daniela’s face never used to be clean. Her eyes seemed vacant and she rarely uttered a word. She only ever sketched single colored empty bubbles with the crayons and paper they gave her. Daniela had trouble concentrating and often sought refuge in “no puedo” (“I can’t do it”). When there were group activities she would wander off alone. Daniela spent her days wandering the streets of Quito, Ecaudor. She had no way to discover her own imagination and free her mind to the endless opportunities six-year-olds around the world should be granted. Daniela did not even have one book, let alone a chance to learn the fundamental skill of reading.
That was before Daniela found Cuéntamelo Todo in Quito, Ecaudor – a mobile library managed by the Palms for Life Fund and funded by Better World Books customers. Cuéntamelo Todo seeks to create opportunities in learning for children at risk and offer a safe, recreational place for them to spend their free time by reaching out to where they are – on the streets. As part of its mission to restore children’s rights to education, Cuéntamelo Todo’s Mobile Library in both Quito and Ibarra, Ecuador are opening up access for children to books and to the world of the imaginary.

Today, Daniela comes to the Mobile Library team smiling. Her opening up is reflected in her drawings, something she loves doing. She draws colorful filled spaces with houses and smiling faces. Daniela has borrowed a significant amount of books. She has a new group of friends. There is great change in Daniela’s general approach to life. Despite a complicated family make-up, she shows an incredible desire to accomplish whatever task she is faced with. From a shy little child beneath Cuentamelo Todo Quito’s Mobile Library tent, Daniela has turned into an expressive young girl, who now takes part in group games, speaks up naturally, freely, and most importantly, with self-assurance.

Little Daniela may not have had the chance to transform from a frowning, dirty face to a thriving, playful child who has the chance to learn if it were not for you. Thanks to you buying books from and donating books to Better World Books, we were able to give Palms for Life a grant to support two active and effective mobile libraries in Ecuador. Your purchases powered the education of real people across our world, just like Daniela. Thank you!

The Faces of a Better World

Erin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:27:21 +0000

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” Tennessee Williams once said.In that spirit, one of my favorite ways to spend a sunny day is by walking around local neighborhoods and taking photos of strangers.

I ask them for permission, of course, and will only take their photo if they are willing to share their face and their story with the world.

As most of you know, I am passionate about my job at Better World Books and sincerely believe in our work and mission. One of my dreams for 2012 is for every single book-lover, tree-hugger and do-gooder on Earth to know about Better World Books – to donate books to and shop with us. It’s much more realistic than another of my dreams, world peace.

So, I ventured out on the town with a camera in one hand and an iPhone to take notes in the other. I met dozens of fascinating, bright and friendly people. And a few in the likes of Oscar from Sesame Street. We laughed and opened up to one another. Strangers now friends. Literally “friends” thanks to Facebook.

These smiling strangers represent a diverse array of our neighbors worldwide. In each of them, lies a different gem which makes this a Better World.

Now, you are cordially invited to see their faces and read their stories. Comments and questions to your new friends are welcome. Book recommendations are encouraged.

I’d love to turn you from a stranger into a friend, too. Comment below and let us know your thoughts on a Better World. Help my 2012 dreams come true. Love one another and tell your friends about Better World Books!

Faces of a Better World Facebook gallery: explore here.

PS – Like the quote above? Here’s more from Tennessee Williams: http://bit.ly/tennesseewilliamsonbwb

PPS – We’d love for you to send us your literacy/green-related story & photo to add to the collection. Many thanks!

What he learned from an illiterate homeless man who became a NY Times bestselling author

Erin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:56:18 +0000

Last night 45 Better World Books staff, friends, family and fans gathered together at Atlanta’s City of Refuge. We served dinner to the women and children residents and also out on the streets of downtown Atlanta. After an eye-and-heart-opening shared experience, we ate together from the social enterprise kitchen at the shelter and discussed one of my favorite books (and true stories) “Same Kind of Different as Me”. You can view photos from the event on Facebook.

Below is a guest post by Ron Hall, Co-Author of “Same Kind of Different as Me” and “What Difference Do it Make?”

This is the season when most of the world is focused more on giving than receiving, on blessing or helping those who cannot help themselves. In an excerpt from our book What Difference Do It Make, I’d like to share a story that hopefully will bless you, the reader of this blog, about serving without judging.

After Denver and I struck up our unlikely friendship at the mission, we had a bargain. I was going to show him how to get along with the country-club set, and he was going to show me how to get along in the ‘hood. When Deborah first dragged me down to serve at the mission, my biggest worry was catching a disease or some kind of creepy-crawly infestation. But after a while, my heart toward the homeless softened up to the point where I actually started going out into the streets with Denver to reach out to the homeless.And yet for all of my brand-new do-gooding, I was still a judgmental varmint. I wish I could say that “deep down” I was a judgmental varmint. But no, it was pretty much right there on the surface.

I remember one day in particular when Denver and I went out on the streets surrounding the mission. I had maybe a couple of hundred bucks in cash, and I’d visit with people, ask how they were doing, and bless them with a few dollars.

It’s important to draw a distinction between “blessing” the homeless and “helping” the homeless. I used to think I was helping by serving a meal or giving them some clothes, but I found out that for the most part I was just helping myself, making myself feel warm and fuzzy and philanthropic.To be sure, it is a blessing to the homeless when they see people who care. But to really help, you’ve got to get down in the pit with people and stay with them until they find the strength to get on your shoulders and climb out. Helping someone is when you find out how to help them move toward wholeness and then hang with them until they make a change.So when Denver and I walked the streets of Fort Worth, it was with the specific intent of bringing blessing. Of stopping to talk to people who are used to folks crossing streets to avoid talking to them. Of being a bright smile, a touch of humanity.

It was a crisp, autumn afternoon, and we were heading back toward the mission. I had already made like Santa Claus and passed out almost all the money I had. All I had left was a twenty-dollar bill. Well, we turned a corner and came upon a Hispanic man who looked drunk enough to fry ice cream with his breath. Probably in his fifties, he looked seventy, with gnarled hands and brown skin wrinkled like a crushed grocery sack. Wearing smudged jeans and a threadbare flannel shirt of red lumberjack plaid, he lounged so hard against the brick wall of a streetside warehouse that I couldn’t tell whether he was trying to hold himself up or keep the wall from falling down.

Still pretty new to the streets, I pasted on a smile and, with Denver at my shoulder, said to the Hispanic man, “What can I do for you today?”

As the man tried to focus his eyes on me, a thin strand of drool slid from the corner of his mouth and began traveling south. “I needsh a reedle moony,” she slurred in a heavy Spanish accent.

I didn’t quite catch what he said and asked him to repeat himself.

“He say he needs a little money,” Denver said over my shoulder.I am not giving a drunk a twenty-dollar bill, I thought as I watched the drool reach the Hispanic man’s chin. Smiling away, I dug into my pants pockets, feeling for smaller change.Finding none, I pulled out the twenty-dollar bill and surreptitiously showed it to Denver. Glancing back at my mentor in the ‘hood, I tried intently to telegraph a message with my eyes: If I give him my last twenty, all he’s going to do is go down to the liquor store and buy some more booze!

Suddenly Denver leaned in, and I felt his breath at my ear. “Don’t judge the man,” he said, low and quiet. “Just give him the twenty dollars.”

Reluctantly, I held out the money, and the man took it. Just at that moment, the southbound drop of drool detached itself from his chin and hurtled toward the sidewalk.

“Shank ew,” he said.

I had never stopped smiling, but now my grin felt as fake as a plugged nickel. I felt like I’d just given a push to a suicide jumper.

Denver and I bid the man good-bye and headed down the street toward the mission. We hadn’t gone thirty yards when Denver stopped. “Turn ‘round here and look at me, Mr. Ron. I wanna tell you something.”

I stopped and faced Denver, and in a way that was becoming familiar to me, he pinned me with one eye while squinting the other like Clint Eastwood. “That man you just gave that money to – his name is José. And he ain’t drunk. He’s a stroke victim. And he’s one a’ the hardest workin men I ever knowed.”

Denver went on to tell me that before a stroke got him, José had been a bricklayer and a rock mason who worked hard, lived cheap, and sent all him money home to Mexico to support his family.

“He don’t even drink, Mr. Ron,” Denver said. “He depends on people like you to eat.”

Immediately, I thought of Deborah. From the moment we set foot in the mission, she had looked beyond the ragged clothes and the scars and the dirt and the smells. It was as though God had given her X-ray vision to see right past all that to the people underneath.

She never asked them, “How did you get in the shape you’re in?” Her thinking was, if you condition your offer of help on how a needy person got that way, you’re probably not going to help very many people. The question Deborah asked was, “What is your need now?”

Now Denver completed his verdict and gave me an ultimatum. Keeping me pinned with that eyeball, he said, “You know what you did? You judged a man without knowin his heart. And I’, gon’ tell you something. If you gon’ walk these streets with me, you gon’ have to learn how to serve these people without judging ‘em. Let the judging be up to God.”

What do you think about Ron and Denver’s story? We’d love to hear your thoughts below. Want to participate in the Better World Book Club? Learn more here. Interested in helping put on satellite events when we gather quarterly to learn, serve and discuss together? Email me at elevin@betterworldbooks.com.

*Note* The above guest post and book excerpt is from award-winner author and activist, Ron Hall. “Same Kind of Different as Me” was our Winter Book Club selection. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Ron, you inspire and encourage us!

Your Top 12 Resolutions: Literacy wins over Losing Weight!

Erin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:04:15 +0000

I am so impressed with the most “liked” resolutions our Facebook fans shared. Not that I was expecting tons of people to encourage going to the gym and eating less candy over doing good in our world, but nonetheless, I am pleased to share this list with you.

1. Listen more, talk less.

2. Less time on the iPad, more time interfacing with a real book!

3. Now that I’ve moved closer to a city, I plan to volunteer again for an adult literacy program.4. My goal is to read at least 50 books in 2012, not including college textbooks. I’m going to donate books to places and people in need and get more of my friends and family to read. Every gift I give in 2012 will be a book!

5. To manage our energy consumption more responsibly and efficiently!

6. Read the Bible in one year. Increase my volunteer work.

7. Buy more organic foods, eat less processed stuff!

8. Never buy a nook or a kindle.

9. Self sufficiency, survival and faith in good over evil.

10. Start reading poetry!

11. Read more books this year!

12. To be more active.

What is your New Year’s resolution? Hope this inspires some meaningful ideas to spur in your head and heart!

You Don’t Have to Be Bill Gates to Make a Massive Impact. These College Kids Just Did!

Erin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:13:58 +0000

What did you do with your college textbooks when you graduated college?

I sold mine at the University of Virginia Bookstore and took the fresh cash to a cute boutique for a new dress and to Harris Teeter for a bottle of cheap champagne to celebrate.

Too bad I had not yet become aware of Better World Books. I sure hope I would have sold, or even given, my books to them. I still could have used the extra cash on silly splendors but others, who could barely dream of a shiny new dress or enjoying a bottle of bubbley, would greatly benefit too.

Here’s just a glimpse of what our student partners have been able to support in 2011 with their used textbooks:

Many students’ efforts on campus generated funding for Books For Africa. Books For Africa recently shipped its 25 millionth book to Africa, and was given a Charity Navigator 4 star rating for the 5th consecutive year, which means you can feel well assured that the funding and books raised by our wonderful book-drivers are being put to great use.

Others chose to support Room To Read through their campus book drives. Room to Read recently distributed their 10 millionth book, and they have opened more than 12,000 libraries and 1,500 schools to date. They’re currently opening libraries in South Asia and Africa at a rate of 6 per day. If you have not yet read the story of how Room To Read got started, it’s very inspiring and available here. Two lucky, passionate, hard-working college book drive leaders will win the trip of a lifetime this summer to come with Better World Books and Room To Read to visit their projects in the developing world!

With Worldfund’s 10th Anniversary quickly approaching, they have already invested more than $12 million in Latin America, with a focus on intensive training programs for public school teachers. Worldfund is currently impacting 340,000 children every year with their teacher training efforts in Mexico and Brazil. The top-generating book drive leaders from last school year were awarded a trip with Better World Books and Worldfund to South America this summer. Check out their life-changing experience in this video.

College (and even high school) students all over the country have started clubs to help end a war in Central Africa with Invisible Children. Thanks to our partnership with the peace-makers, filmmakers and educators, Better World Book Drives are supporting Invisible Children’s Legacy Scholarship Program which is providing 590 secondary and 195 university students in Northern Uganda with educational scholarships and dedicated mentors. The fundraising efforts of people like you have resulted in more than $1 million raised by Invisible Children this year. Make sure to check out their latest Book Drive video here.

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) and Better World Books recently awarded 20 mini grants to schools, libraries, and community-based organizations. These grants will help fund their literacy efforts, many of which target at-risk populations in the United States. In 2012, NCFL and Better World Books will be offering $10,000 grants for library literacy programs that support family literacy. Here’s a video about one family that has greatly benefited from your support.

In 2011, Better World Books officially became a Book for Book™ company. Without our amazing student book drivers (and all book donors) we could not match each book purchase with a donation to someone in need via Books for Africa and Feed The Children. There are teenagers in the United States who make it all the way to high school without ever owning a book. Meet Zachariah here, and see how you helped change his life for the better.

We want to send a giant virtual thank-you hug to all of our campus book drivers, and all book donors, for your support. We’d also love to hear your stories and see your photos. Please share by commenting below or by posting on our Facebook & Twitter pages.

Want to get even closer to making a massive difference like Bill Gates? You can with one click. Simply share Better World Books with your friends. For each new “like” and “follow” on Facebook and Twitter, we donate another book to a child in need via Feed The Children.

Finally, it’s time to BUY your textbooks and Better World Books has almost every one you need for up to 90% off! Plus, each one of your book purchases powers a book donation! Thank you and happy 2012!

Political Pundit Uses Books to Explain 2012 Presidential Election

Erin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:37:53 +0000

Guest post from Kyle Kondik, a political analyst for the renowned election predictor, Larry Sabato

In American politics, electoral future is oftentimes illuminated by electoral past.

With the 2012 presidential election season now in full swing, President Barack Obama faces two paths, each symbolized by one of his recent Democratic predecessors.

The happy outcome for Obama would be to emulate President Harry Truman, who won one of the most remarkable electoral upsets in American history when he defeated New York Gov. Thomas Dewey in 1948. Zachary Karabell ably describes the campaign in his book, The Last Campaign: How Harry Truman Won the 1948 Election, and he reminds us that Truman did not just have to defeat Dewey; he also was challenged in the South by “Dixiecrat” candidate Strom Thurmond — who ran as a protest candidate after Truman and the Democratic Party embraced civil rights — and Progressive Party nominee and former Vice President Henry Wallace, who ran to Truman’s left. Indeed, throughout the year Obama has been trying to adopt a harder tone with congressional Republicans, much like Truman did in assailing the “Do-Nothing Congress.”

Helping Truman in 1948, beyond Dewey’s ineptness, was an economy recovering from its post-World War II hangover. Obama needs the same kind of help.

If he doesn’t get it, his path to reelection might resemble that of another Democrat — Jimmy Carter. In Mad as Hell: The Crisis of the 1970s and the Rise of the Populist Right, Dominic Sandbrook casts a discerning eye on the late 1970s, examining a period of uncertainty when America was under siege both abroad — through the Iran hostage crisis and gasoline shortages — and at home — as exemplified in ugly, bitter cultural struggles such as the South Boston busing riots. Interspersed in the narrative are vignettes that deviate from politics, such as short chapters about “America’s Team” (the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys) and the low-brow television show Charlie’s Angels, offering a full look of American life in the era. The malaise of the late 70s was a boon to Carter’s challenger, Ronald Reagan, who crushed Carter in the 1980 election.

Obviously, Obama hopes that when historians are writing the tale of his years as president, their books will read more like The Last Campaign than Mad as Hell.

Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, contributes to the center’s free, weekly political newsletter, Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Founded by political analyst and Professor Larry J. Sabato, the Center for Politics is a nonpartisan institute that seeks to promote the value of politics, improve civics education, and increase civic participation through comprehensive research, pragmatic analysis, and innovative educational programs.

What books have most helped you understand the election process and American politics? Please share your thoughts and suggestions below.

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from political expert, Kyle Kondik. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Kyle, we’re excited to see which scenario plays out.

PS: If you’re interested in learning more about elections through books, here is a list of Sabato’s hits.

New Year’s Resolution #___: Save money on Textbooks

Erin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:23:45 +0000

Post by Mary Olson, BWB Outlet Store ManagerHas the textbook-buying season got you down? Let us help. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to save up to hundreds of dollars on your textbooks each semester.
1) Always get the ISBNs for the textbooks you need. This helps you get the exact edition so that you don’t have to worry about returning books if you accidentally order a wrong edition. Also, especially when ordering used books, read the seller’s comments about condition. They could include important pieces of information like, “Instructor’s Edition,” or “First Canadian Edition.” Be sure you know what you’re ordering.

Where can you find an ISBN? You can find it on the back of the book by the barcode. If there’s a sticker over the barcode, it’s always a good idea to check the ISBN on the copyright page inside the first few pages of the book. That way, if someone accidentally put a wrong sticker on the book, you still know you’re looking at the right number.

If your bookstore or student portal doesn’t make ISBNs easily accessible, ask your professor, your bookstore staff, the administrative assistants in the class’s department, or another student. If you can’t find the ISBN, look for all of the following instead. Get the title of the book, the author’s name, the edition, and the publication year. These pieces of information will help you in your search so that you can confirm you’re getting the right book. Once you’re sure you’ve found the right book online with this info, use the ISBN included in that online listing.

2) If the book you need is listed as a package or bundle, your school has put multiple items together and given them one ISBN that doesn’t exist outside of your school bookstore. Get the ISBNs off each individual item in the package or bundle. Purchasing used items individually can save you lots of money. You might also find that one component is almost never used in that particular course. It’s always smart to check with your professor before choosing to not purchase any particular required text.

3) If the book is a custom publication made by your school or has your school’s logo on it, there could be another edition similar enough that you won’t have to purchase it directly from your school’s bookstore. There are, however, some books published by professors of your college or university that you will likely only be able to get at your school bookstore. A quick search will tell you, however, if there is another book similar to the one that’s required. Again, gather the necessary information to make your search for the right item or it’s cheaper cousin easy: title, author, edition, and publication year.

4) Always (always, always!) ask your professor if you can use an older edition. It’s true that some professors are sticklers for the right edition. But it’s surprising how many will let you use an older edition, and even give you ISBNs for any acceptable edition for the class. This can save you a ton of money. If you can’t get the ISBNs of any older editions, but your professor is okay with you using one, use title and author searches to find what you need.

5) Believe shipping times. If a seller or website says your order will arrive in 6-9 business days, it could actually take up to the 9th business day to arrive. Make sure you have the full 9 business days. If you can’t wait until the last possible day, order expedited delivery. You’re likely already saving more than the 4 or so dollars you’re going to spend on speedy delivery. So in the end, it’s worth it!

6) Shop at www.BetterWorldBooks.com! (Okay, shameless plug, but textbooks are how our business got started!)

Ads Worth Spreading

Erin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:56:56 +0000

TED, a non-profit dedicated to sharing innovative and thoughtful ideas around the world, has launched an “Ads Worth Spreading” campaign which they describe as an “initiative to recognize and reward innovation, ingenuity and intelligence in advertising – the ads that people want to see, and share with their friends.

We have just thing for this campaign! Recently, we have created a series of short films which highlight the impact that folks like you make every time you donate books or shop with Better World Books. We’ve entered six videos into the contest and would love for you to view and vote for them to be shown at the TED conferences this year.The videos

A homeless 9th grader who got his first book through the BWB/Feed The Children teacher store tells his story. The spot ties buying and donating to impact like Zachariah’s story.

2:40 – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8324_27

60 seconds – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8327_27

From the age of 5, Agnes had to sleep in the Ugandan jungle to hide from rebel soldiers. Today, she is a proud university graduate thanks to BWB and Invisible Children.

90 seconds – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8328_27

30 seconds – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8329_27

Our new literacy initiative – Book for Book. Better World Books commits to matching every sale on betterworldbooks.com and betterworldbooks.co.uk with a book donation to someone in need. This initiative is in addition to the funding Better World Books gives to literacy non-profits from every single sale.

1:40 – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8325_27

Did you know that 2 billion pounds of books each year are sent to the landfill? And 21% of people in the US are functionally illiterate. We have a way to help address the environmental impact while also building advocacy around education and book donations. It’s our Better World Books drop box program! One parking spot can help change the world.

2 minutes – http://www.youtube.com/tedaws?x=us_showcasephase2_8326_27

Thank you so much for your vote!

Light Up the Library

Erin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:47:18 +0000

Guest post by Jean Reidy, children’s author and activist

My third children’s book, Light Up the Night (Disney Hyperion), was inspired by every kid who throws a sheet over the kitchen table and calls it a clubhouse. It’s for every kid who makes a fort out of couch cushions. And it’s especially for every kid who huddles down under a blanket at night ─ where safety and security reign, allowing imagination to blast off. It’s about earth, space and a kid’s sense of place.

But unfortunately, not all children enjoy security and sense of place. Over the past seven years my family has developed strong connections to the country of Uganda and its people. With that came my understanding of the plight of Uganda’s children. HIV/AIDS robs these kids of family and health. Past civil war threatens their security. And the warehouses and refugee camps where they currently seek safety are unimaginably inhumane.So it was with both an overwhelming sense of gratitude for what I have, and a deep sense of responsibility for those who have not, that I wrote Light Up the Night.

To celebrate the release of the book and honor the children of Uganda, I’m part of a project benefiting literacy in Africa and a library at Musana Children’s Home in Iganga, Uganda where I worked in the summer of 2010. Musana was founded in 2008 to provide a safe and loving home for children, many of whom have been orphaned or abandoned. In 2010 an existing building at Musana was repaired, secured and designated as their library. Now we need to fill it with books.

I’m coordinating my efforts with Peace Corps Volunteers through an amazing project called Libraries for Life - which is providing books for libraries in designated Ugandan schools – including Musana. The project is being administered by Books for Africa one of the awesome partners of Better World Books.

As a children’s author, each and every day I support libraries and literacy programs here in the U.S. But for this project I’m reaching beyond our borders to benefit efforts abroad. To date, Libraries for Life has raised over $14,500 toward our project goal of $17,000 to send a 20-foot container of books to Uganda. I hope you will join me in this effort, celebrating a love of reading here and abroad ─ as well as earth, space and a kid’s sense of place.

To find out more about my project please visit: http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/

And please check my books right here:
TOO PURPLEY! TOO PICKLEY! LIGHT UP THE NIGHT – And coming soon, TOO PRINCESSY!

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our Twitter friend Jean. Jean is a children’s author and amazing activist. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Jean, you inspire us!

Zachariah’s Story

Erin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:26:18 +0000

He’s in the 9th grade. He and his mom were recently evicted from their home. He began this year on a 5th grade reading level. But thanks to you, Zachariah has hope – and a huge smile to boot.

Thanks to a partnership between Better World Books and Feed The Children, Zachariah now owns his very first book. Feed The Children does not only focus on feeding the literal hunger of children and families across America and worldwide, but also supporting healthy minds. With the help of Better World Books book donations, Feed The Children has distributed over 500,000 backpacks full of school supplies.

Zachariah’s success story would not be possible without you. Each time you donate or buy a book with Better World Books, students like Zachariah are given more opportunities to learn and grow.

Better World Wednesday: Boosterthon

Erin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:52:55 +0000

We have noticed that there are many incredible socially-minded businesses out there that share our philosophy of capitalism – that capitalism is not just about a single, financial bottom-line, that business can and should also change our world for the better. We share lots of stories about how our book donors, customers, staff, partners and advocates make a difference every time they interact with Better World Books. Now, we’d also like to begin sharing how like-minded organizations are making a difference as well.

So, without further ado, Meet Boosterthon.

BWB: Tell us about the Boosterthon Fun Run. How did it get started and what do you do?

The Boosterthon Fun Run is a nine day Fitness, Leadership, and Character-based elementary school fundraiser that offers a healthy alternative to traditional product sale fundraisers. Our founder and president, Chris Carneal, started Boosterthon while attending Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris started a sports tutoring company that helped local students improve their baseball skills, and because Chris was also interested in impacting kids in other ways than just sports, he added a character lesson to each sports tutoring session. When he was approached by one of his kids to buy a product to raise money for a school, Chris thought there could be a better way to resource schools. From there, Boosterthon was started to help resource schools in a fun, hassle-free way. Students don’t have to sell anything. They just gather pledges from friends and family as they prepare for the Boosterthon Fun Run event.

BWB: The Boosterthon Fun Run program lasts for nine days, what do those days look like?

One of our most distinguishing features is that members of our team are on each school campus for two weeks, opening doors at morning carpool, eating lunch with the students and teachers, and serving at afternoon dismissal and bus line in addition to running the program. The number one word our schools use to describe our team members is “enthusiastic.” So, with our enthusiastic team on campus for two weeks, each day of the program is fun and has a lot of energy.

During the 9 days, our program moves through phases. The first day on campus kicks off with a high-energy pep rally that informs students what the Boosterthon program is about and how they can participate and help their school. For the next six days, our team members visit every classroom each day teaching character lessons that correspond to an annual theme—this year’s character theme is Epic Adventure. Team members also award students with fitness rewards for the pledges they received for the Boosterthon Fun Run event. The time in the classroom is educational, team building, and most importantly, fun! All of the days build momentum toward the culminating event—the Boosterthon Fun Run—when students join their classmates as they run around the Boosterthon Speedway to raise money for their school.

BWB: One of the great things about this program is you are able to get the community involved – how does that happen?

Everyone in the school community is invited to attend the Boosterthon Fun Run event. Whether you are a student’s sponsor, family member, or next-door neighbor, we ask students to extend an invitation to their family and friends to cheer them on as they run laps. We’ll have hundreds of parents and supporters at each event waving signs, dancing, and encouraging the students. It’s a pretty amazing sight.

BWB: On average, how much money does a school raise from the program and what are the costs associated with it?

On average our program raises schools 70% more than a school’s best previous product sale. We absorb all the costs associated with the Boosterthon. We provide the most inclusive, hassle-free fundraiser available that incorporates every student in the school, whether they give financially or not. The Boosterthon Fun Run provides t-shirts for every student and teacher, all the prizes, equipment, character-curriculum, online pledging system, our team on campus for two weeks, communication, and much more.

BWB: We really appreciate that your emphasis is not just on fitness but on character, how do you incorporate that into your program?

Since the start of Boosterthon, Chris incorporated character traits into every school he served, but within the past 5 years, we’ve formalized our character campaign to include a theme that helps students get even more excited about building character. Over the years, we’ve gradually expanded our character program. Our curriculum now contains classroom presentations, a children’s book, a short movie, and music. We always want to improve our program year after year, so we are excited to offer such a wide variety of character resources to our students and schools. We’re already working on next year’s curriculum and it’s going to be the best yet.

BWB: Tell us about the fair-trade prize this year?

Over the past two years, we’ve merged our heart to give back to others by integrating a giveback initiative into our program. This year, if students reach a certain prize level, they receive a hand-stitched cloth frisbee made by Guatemalan women. Not only do we get the opportunity to support a fair-trade company, but when a student reaches this prize level, Boosterthon makes a donation to build a playground for an underprivileged school in Guatemala. Our goal is to donate $25,000 and build three playgrounds during the summer of 2012. You can learn more about our giveback initiative “Operation Playground” here: http://vimeo.com/26350232

BWB: What motivates you on days that you want to give up?

Over ten years serving schools, we’ve had quite a few success stories—school-wide successes and individual successes. I’ll share two from last year:

With the economy in its current state, one of our schools in Atlanta, Georgia, always wanted to have a Spanish program, but could never afford it. Their goal was to raise enough money with the Boosterthon to fund a Spanish teacher’s salary for one year. They ended up raising enough for two years! When some teachers are losing their jobs, this school was able to add a teacher and a new subject.

A school counselor told us another great story. Apparently, one of her students came to her upset that he wasn’t a “leader.” She asked why and the boy said that he couldn’t be a leader because he was being a bully to another student. That year’s character theme was “Leader Launch.” One of the character traits spoke on how “Leaders are Not Bullies.”)Needless to say, we were blown away that our character program would have that kind of impact on our students. With the recent increase in bullying in America, even one student changing his or her behavior is a big win.

BWB: Final question – where do you operate and how can a school get in touch with you?

We have teams that serve schools all over the country, but we’re located primarily in the Southeast and Midwest. Our Home Office is in Atlanta. Schools can find us online at www.boosterthon.com.

Does your child’s school or the school where you teach have Boosterthon? How has it served your students and community? Please tell your story below.

Are you interested in having BWB feature you and your organization on our blog one Better World Wednesday? Share a bit of your story in the comments below and we’ll get back with you.

Top 3 Picks from a Cozy Mystery Expert

Erin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:49:48 +0000

Guest post by our Twitter friend Bella McGuire, Cozy Mystery book reviewerI’ve been reading cozy mysteries for over 20 years now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen cozy mysteries as popular as they are right now. With several big mystery books slated for their big screen release, like ONE FOR THE MONEY by Janet Evanovich (January 27, 2012), cozy mysteries are more popular than ever.

A cozy mystery is a story involving a murder mystery, that is usually set in a small town and is full of murder, town gossip and sometimes a touch of romance. With so many different genres to choose from, people are flocking to read cozy mysteries. Why? Because they are a fun read, that engages the mind (I just love trying to solve the murder) and provide entertainment.

There is a cozy mystery story to suit every mystery reader. There are cozy mysteries with a culinary theme (set in a bakery or restaurant, and usually include some great recipes to try) or a book setting (such as a librarian or bookseller solving a mystery) and even sport themed books for the male reader and paranormal themed for those that enjoy some witches, ghosts and vampires with their mystery.

My top picks in the cozy mystery genre are:

THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES by Agatha Christie. This is where it started for the infamous Hercule Poirot. A wealthy lady poisoned, a host of possible suspects in the quaint town of Styles St. Mary. It’s up to Poirot, and his mostly inept friend, Arthur Hastings, to solve the case before the murderer strikes again!

MURDER IS BINDING by Lorna Barrett. Lorna Barrett writes some of the very best modern cozy mysteries. Her Booktown Mystery series is set in a town that is full of bookstores. Along with great reads there are great crimes, and it is up to mystery bookstore owner, Tricia Miles, to find the clues and solve the murders. There are five books in this series and I highly recommend every one of them!

TRULY, MADLY by Heather Webber. Like your mysteries with some toe-curling romance? Then I suggest you try Heather Webber’s Lucy Valentine series. I don’t read a lot of romance but every new Lucy Valentine book is atop my must-buy list. There is always a intriguing murder, which Lucy Valentine and her cohort of friends try to solve. Her family will leave you in stitches as they prove how dysfunctional a family of matchmakers can be.

Do you love cozy mysteries as much as Bella does? Why do you think this genre is called “cozy” mystery? What are your favorites?

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our Twitter friend Bella. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Bella!

Teaching American Slaves

Erin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:49:36 +0000

Guest post by author Andrea Cumbo, http://www.andilit.com.

Andrea is a writer, editor, and writing teacher who is working on a book about the people who were enslaved on the plantation where she was raised. She writes this not as a former slave, but as a young women who grew up on this plantation in recent history.The bleachers are still there. Covered with gray chalky paint. Tucked against the brick wall. The small room is not hidden but is hardly noticeable in the corner of the house wing closest to the fields and the slave quarter.

In this space, the enslaved children on this plantation were educated. They were taught to read and write. They learned simple arithmetic and biology. A whale vertebra from their lessons still rests on the floor across from their seats.

Louisa, the master’s wife, taught them for years, and then one of her pupils – Lucy Skipwith – took over. When Lucy was moved to Alabama, she started a slave school there. The legacy continued.

Despite modern misconceptions, it wasn’t actually illegal for masters to educate their slaves as long as the education took place on the master’s property by the master’s people. It was, however, deeply frowned upon, and the master here was almost beaten to death for his efforts. So, most slave owners did not educate their slaves – too much risk, too much effort?

But the owner here, on this plantation where I was raised, did. He believed that education was the key to freedom. He did not believe that sending people out into American society without skills and knowledge was responsible, and while we can judge him from our viewpoint in the 21st century, he did – at least – do this much: he taught his people how to read and write. In total, the master here only freed a few of the almost 300 people who were enslaved during his lifetime, but perhaps the mental freedom, the ability to think new thoughts, to imagine new worlds gave them a little of the hope that comes with knowing other things despite their horrific situation.

So this holiday season, I think of these enslaved children on those gray bleachers, their slates in their hands, shaky numerals and words etched on the black tile, and I find hope in them. In the freedom that education brings, may we all find hope and may we share it so that we bring freedom – from poverty, from abuse, from isolation – for all.If you are fortunate enough to have received an education, what has that education brought you in the way of freedom? In what practical ways, could you share that freedom with other people?

About Andrea
Andrea (Andi) Cumbo is a writer, editor, and writing teacher who is working on a book about the people who were enslaved on the plantation where she was raised. You can see more about her project here at her Kickstarter site – http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596635732/you-will-not-be-forgotten and read more of her work at her blog – http://www.andilit.com.

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our Twitter friend Andrea. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Andrea! We cannot wait to read the finished product.

Maria & Antonio’s Story

Erin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:09:03 +0000

Maria looked deeply into her heart and said, “Now I feel like a person.”

In 2000, Maria legally immigrated to the United States from Spain and it took ten years for her to feel whole here. She could not speak with her older son’s soccer coach because her English was not fluent enough. Maria could not even visit the OBGYN alone to get a mammography when she had a breast cancer scare. She could not help her younger son with his homework because she did not understand the words.

“It was really hard when my mom couldn’t help me with my homework. And my dad has to go to work at night and so it was really hard,” her 10-year-old son Antonio told us.

But, you ask, Maria just told you that she now feels like a person. What has changed? Maria’s local library was her game-changer “I learn grammar, I learn conversation, I have help for the homework for the kids, I come for the citizenship classes,” shares Maria.

Thanks to a grant from the National Center for Family Literacy and Better World Books, Maria’s public library in Shirley, New York is able to equip her with the tools to be a successful, full person in America.

The Shirley Community Library’s family literacy program focuses on adult and children education in learning English. “As a library, it’s important that we loan out books, it’s important that we loan out DVDs, and that’s really what most people think libraries do. But through the help of Better World Books and the National Center for Family Literacy, we have the ability to do so much more. We have the ability to change lives,” said the Library’s Education Coordinator, Beth Donovan.

Maria summed it up: “I want to say thank you for the program for helping all people, every person is welcome in the library. At the library I feel like one whole person, because I study English. If you live here, you need to talk in English.”

And we want to thank you – loyal fans, book donors and customers – for supporting Better World Books. There are many other families similar to Maria and Antonio and together, we can bring about more success stories like theirs. Your purchases make a difference. Every time you shop and donate with Better World Books, families like Maria and Antonio’s are uplifted.

That kid wasn’t me

Erin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:18:22 +0000

Post by Better World Books’ Outlet Store Manager, Mary OlsonI’m sure that somewhere, there exists a textbook kid who lives a textbook life and went through a textbook school experience to get a textbook degree and a textbook job and now has a textbook family and is living happily ever after… by the book.That kid wasn’t me.

It took me 3 years of attending college to convince my recently Ph.D.-ed mother that it wasn’t the right time for me to be in college. I couldn’t have explained it well then, and I’m still not sure if I could explain it well now. But I didn’t feel like the school system was for me. School was a pivot table, and I was abstract art. Luckily, my parents are amazing people who understand the importance of being true to who you are.

My family prizes education. I think that’s probably why so many of them got intentionally involved in the educational system. My dad started a high school and was the administrator, as well as taught everything from maths to history for 17 years. My mom taught at the same high school while finishing her bachelor’s, earning her master’s, and then her Ph.D.. She’s now a professor at a university (the same university I attended while trying to convince her to let me quit, naturally). My grandmother started and ran an elementary school for years. My uncle took over as administrator when my grandmother retired; he also taught in the school. Another uncle taught music, an aunt taught piano, and the list goes on.

After I left college, degreeless, I worked as an administrative assistant in higher education. I took time to broaden my knowledge, hone my skills, strengthen my abilities, and find my passions. Then, I found a place where I could not only use my KSAs, but also was encouraged to have shared passion with my company and coworkers. The fact that I didn’t have a degree didn’t deter my hiring manager from seeing that customer service was my art and my passion.

Still, I almost never feel comfortable admitting the fact that I didn’t finish college. It makes me feel inferior, inadequate. I love knowledge. I’m an information junkie. And when I found out that a (degreed) guy said he wouldn’t want to date me because I was “too smart,” I laughed. And then I got to thinking: my level of formal education has nothing to do with how smart I am and has nothing to do with my value. I am a smart person! It was a revelation.

Before I read Out of Our Minds and The Element (both by Sir Ken Robinson), I would have been surprised to hear someone say they see a little of their own story in mine. Growing up, I felt like a fish out of water. I felt like everyone else was just sailing through college like they were meant to be there. And I was definitely the odd one out.

Reading Sir Ken Robinson’s books showed me that I wasn’t alone. There are plenty of people who don’t feel like the school system suits them, or is enough for them, or is helpful to them at all. It also showed me that I’m not the one who is wrong. The system is wrong. It’s imperfect.To me, Out of Our Minds is a call to action for educators and anyone who can influence the educational system. Regardless of your current career, however, it’s worth the read. If you have kids, read it. If you are an educator in any capacity, read it. If you talk to anyone–ever–read it.

The Element is full of stories: stories about people who thrived once they found where their passions and skills intersected, stories about people who believed in someone, stories that will resonate with you, stories about people you will recognize with backgrounds you’d never guess. Reading The Elementwill make you feel like it’s okay to be you. It should also make you want to mentor someone like you (and your version of someone like you might open quite broadly after reading it).
So I’ll leave you with this to ponder, and hope it spurs you on not only to read these books, but also to share them, and then to make a difference in whatever way you can, even if it’s just in one person’s small life.

“Mentors lead us to believe that we can achieve something that seemed improbable or impossible to us before we met them.” –Sir Ken Robinson in “The Element”

Sir Ken Robinson was a keynote speaker at the California Library Association Conference in November in Pasadena California. Better World Books was privileged to be the official bookseller for the conference.

What books and authors have greatly served your life like Sir Ken Robinson has for Mary? We invite you to share below…

If You Were Santa

Erin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:56:18 +0000

I asked our Facebook and Twitter fans: “If you were Santa, what book would you give to every person?” Here are the top 10 most popular answers…

1. The Bible

2. The Little Prince

3. To Kill a Mockingbird

4. The Zombie Survival Guide

5. The Princess Bride

Happy Holidays from the BWB Re-Use First Campus Team

6. The Lord of the Rings

7. A Wrinkle in Time

8. Ender’s Game

9. The Help

10. A Christmas Carol

What about you? What book would slide down the chimney to give? Happy Holidays!

Food for Thought

Erin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:48:34 +0000

Guest Post by Pattie Baker, Author of “Food for My Daughters”

It had been a weedy, unloved, unused piece of land a little more than two years ago, and now the largest community garden in my county flourishes there, 20% of which is dedicated to donations to a local food pantry directly across the street from the park in which the garden is located. Our first donation came just six weeks after the garden opened, and it consisted of three little bags of lettuce leaves. I was so proud of it, until I went to deliver it to the church where the food pantry is held each Wednesday. The line of people in need wrapped around the building. Our meager donation embarrassed me, although the words of Mother Teresarang in my head: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” And we would feed three that day.

By Thanksgiving that first year, just a few weeks later, we were up to maybe eight bags of lettuces. Progress, yes, but now for the holidays the crowd was three times as big as usual. Our small donation felt like nothing. But “if you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one” rang in my head. And we would feed eight that day.

A year later, we had a wheelbarrow full of fresh food to donate–far more than the year before, and a significant addition to the more than 1,000 pounds of fresh food we had donated that year. We also had a new, small garden right there at the church from which the food pantry clients themselves harvested each week, usually about 10-20 families, even though it never seemed as if there would be enough and every week there was. A phenomenon, or perhaps a miracle, depending on what you believe.

This third year, over a hundred pounds of fresh food was harvested from the community garden Thanksgiving week by a dedicated team of volunteers that works tirelessly to grow this effort, bringing the total amount of food donated since the garden opened to over two tons. Plus, many families-in-need harvested at the food pantry garden the following day, and, once again, no one left empty-handed. Yet…

It nagged at me. Why should people who clearly appreciate this fresh food be hungry when the simple tools of growing food such as space and sun abound in my climate? From talking with the food pantry clients during these weekly harvests (somehow muddling between languages) I know that many of them live in apartment complexes and have actually tried to grow pots and pots of food but the apartment management removes the plants. I know many of their children attend my community’s schools so my friends and I have helped start and rejuvenate school gardens and we recently ensured that a middle school group could access the community garden itself for a weekly hands-on learning experience. Yet despite what Mother Teresa says, in my heart of hearts, I know I am capable of doing more. I keep asking myself how I can plant a seed that grows bigger, wider, farther, deeper.

I dug in an urban farm one day with my friend, Fred Conrad, who is the Atlanta Community Food Bank liaison to more than 150 community gardens in the metro-Atlanta area, and I asked him how I could help, using my professional writing skills. He suggested I encourage more people to participate in the national Plant a Row for the Hungry effort, where you grow food to donate to your local food pantry. I then wrote a six-week series titled Operation Plant a Row 2012, and I am now using this generous opportunity provided to me by Better World Books to share what I hope you find to be an inspiring collection of tips and suggestions for digging in where you live.

See the entire series of articles on the bottom of my blog at www.foodshedplanet.com, where you’ll meet my friends Fred, Ann, Tracy, Shawn, Sally, David, Bob, Libby, and more. And perhaps you’ll start looking at the world a little differently–or at least that unused patch of earth beside your house or at your public park or church or school or corporate campus. And maybe you will want to grow a little something and donate food to feed just one person (as Mother Teresa suggests) each week as well. Maybe you will join me and my friends and all the others who are doing this already, and together we can make a bigger difference. Together, we can grow not just food, but community and knowledge as well so that our efforts are sustainable.

The new Plant a Row we created at the food pantry garden, which I didn’t expect to produce food for months yet, was harvested for the first time this week, by those in need, for Thanksgiving. Yes, miracles do happen. And I believe in them.

Do you have a community garden? Have any great book recommendations to help readers start one? Please share your comments below.

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our friend Pattie, the author of “Food for My Daughters.” This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Pattie, you inspire us!

The holiday spirit is the human connection

Erin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:11:23 +0000

This year, our literacy partners at Invisible Children are proclaiming that the “The holiday spirit is the human connection”. Through their latest holiday campaign, they are helping to illustrate that with every purchase we make this year, we can choose to positively impact someone’s life – a concept very close to our hearts at Better World Books – and the foundation on which our entire business is based.

As a triple-bottom-line social enterprise, it is embedded into our mission, vision and even by-laws that we work towards the betterment of people and planet – not only profit. We are passionate about sharing our story with people like you to further the wave of conscious consumerism.

Today, you don’t only need to donate or volunteer to make an impact, you can simply be thoughtful about where you buy things you already need. For example, every time you buy a book with us, organizations like Invisible Children get funding – plus we donate a book to a student in need. Book for Book.

Here’s another way you can support Invisible Children with your gift purchases this holiday season…

Their newest items include a striking rose gold bracelet honoring the women of Central Africa, canvas totes handmade by formerly abducted women, and intricately beaded necklaces sold in partnership with 31Bits. All of these products support life-saving programs throughout Central Africa, as well as Invisible Children’s education initiatives in northern Uganda.

If the hip merchandise and good feelings aren’t enough of an incentive, IC is offering free shipping with the promo code “friendsandfam” (entered at check out).

To see more, visit http://store.invisiblechildren.com/.

Inspired by the Wisdom of The Little Prince: A Lesson for Children (and Adults)

Erin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:38:09 +0000

Guest post by Cheryl Crawford, Co-Founder of Go Grounded Yoga for Kids & Teens

The inspiration quote directly from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: “What does his voice sound like?” “What games does he like best?” “Does he collect butterflies?” They ask: “How old is he?” “How many brothers does he have?” “How much does he weigh?” “How much does his father make?” Only then do they think they know him. If you tell grown-ups, “I saw a beautiful red brick house, with geraniums at the windows and doves on the roof…” They won’t be able to imagine such a house. You have to tell them “I saw a house worth a hundred thousand francs.” Then they exclaim, “What a pretty house!”…That’s the way they are. You must not hold it against them. Children should be very understanding of grown-ups.

The lessonSo Children, how do you master the art of Grown-up relationships one conversation at a time?

It starts with understanding and acceptance. Many grown-ups hold tension in their bodies and tend to stay stuck in their comfort zones. Conversations can be quite dull because their childlike wonder has become stiff like old chewing gum stuck to a desk.First, of course, Ground yourself, cultivate your steadiness, root your feet on the ground and really listen to them. This takes practice… lots of practice. Breathe and expand and open your body to help open you up to this possibility.You’ll tend to get distracted, look away, run away or fall asleep. Stay with it. Persistence and patience is key to mastery.

Sprinkled throughout every day are hidden opportunities to help transform grown-ups from the ordinary, routine, and mundane expected conversations. Resist the urge to answer with “good” “OK” or an eye roll. Instead, give these adults what they want and then give them what they need. Answer their questions with respect: “I had a good day.” “I took 3 quizzes.”

Then enhance with your own personal imaginative gift, ” the hallways smelled of homemade pickles and the principal’s office smelled of licorice.”

(Respectful answer) “My friend has three brothers”

(Imaginative gift) “They all love to play sardines, but only one of them snorts when they laugh.”

Speak to the adults highest childlike wonder to reveal the extraordinary, the astonishing and the unexpected!

Ask imaginative questions to surprise and delight.

What made you uncomfortable today? Did you smell anything sweet? Weird? Did any clients speak in a little girl voice? How much does the couch weigh? What color was your breakfast?

Continue to serve the grown-ups in your life. There are always more conversations. There are always more openings. When you help each other transform from the comfort of mundane conversation to lively interactive and extraordinary dialog… and then share that with others, you contribute to elevating the world.

GO make a difference. Have that conversation. Let us know how it goes.

Have you read The Little Prince? What do you think of the quote and lesson shared in this post? How have stories and yoga helped you face difficult situations? Please comment below, thank you!

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our friend Cheryl Crawford, Co-Founder of Go Grounded Yoga for Kids & Teens. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Cheryl, Namaste!

#GiveDifferent

Erin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:37:37 +0000

Do you wish you had enough money to buy shoes, soap, shelter and books for every homeless child in our world – and also cute, trendy, smart items for your loved ones?While most of us cannot afford to buy two of every gift and ship one to someone in need and the other to our in-laws, nieces, long-distance lovers and bosses, there are companies out there who will do it for you, for free!

Better World Books is glad to be one such company and honored to take part in a Twitter movement this holiday season based around the ideas of extra thoughtful giving – #GiveDifferent.

You can tune into #GiveDifferent on Twitter to learn about like-minded social enterprises, triple-bottom-line companies and non-profits with successful business models where giving is built in.

Here are a few pre-crafted messages to get started, shared with help from #GiveDifferent founder Whitney at @NEXTforWomen:

You can #GiveDifferent by shopping for books with @BWBooks – each purchase powers a book donation to someone in need. http://www.betterworldbooks.com/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=bwb

@TOMS helps you #GiveDifferent with their #oneforone shoe model – much like our #bookforbook promise!

#GiveDifferent by supporting @FabricOfChange http://www.aban.org/products – impact the environment & street girls in Ghana

You can #GiveDifferent by purchasing cookies from Gretchen and Larry with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer http://tinyurl.com/cgt5ct9

@hoopfund helps you get to know the fair trade workers who make the gifts you buy while you #GiveDifferent

#GiveDifferent and get squeeky clean with @SweetSoaps products – all handcrafted in the USA www.sweetsoaps.com

What other social and green businesses should we Tweet with #GiveDifferent this shopping season?

Top 25 Books Sold in November

Erin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:37:41 +0000

25. BWB Gift Certificate – get one here!

24. The Secret Life of Beesby Sue Monk Kidd23. The Ten Faces of Innovation by Thomas Kelley and Jonathan Littman

22. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

21. Scaffolding Language, Scaffolding Learning by Pauline Gibbons

20. Biology by Neil Campbell and Jane Reece

19. Holes by Louis Sachar

18. Who Moved my Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

17. 365 Devotions

16. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

15. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

14. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

13. Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

12. Song of Ice & Fire boxed set by George R. R. Martin

11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

8. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

7. Endless Frontier by G. Pascal Zachary

6. The Theory that Would not Die by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

4. Back to Work by Bill Clinton

3. The Shack by William P. Young

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

1. Hope for Animals and Their World by Jane Goodall

One Guy’s Top 25

Erin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:31:29 +0000

It can be so hard to shop for men. Big green egg smokers, hunting gear, fishing boats, top notch kitchen knives and antique convertibles would all win their hearts over, but they are far too expensive for most of us to buy. So I asked a typical guy’s guy with hundreds of books for his top 25 list to help you buy the perfect book for your beau. Here’s his list (in no absolute order):

Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole
The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh
Ship Of Gold In The Deep Blue Sea, Gary Kinder
Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes
Following the Equator, Mark Twain

Churchill, Taken From the Diaries of Lord Moran
Moby Dick, Herman Melville
For Whom The Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey
The Border Trilogy, Cormac McCarthy

All The King’s Men, Robert Penn Warren
Coming Up For Air, George Orwell
Our Man In Havana, Graham Greene
Islands In The Stream, Ernest Hemingway
A Man In Full, Tom Wolfe

Killing Pablo, Mark Bowden
The Old Patagonian Express, Paul Theroux
Salt, A World History, Mark Kurlansky
The Moviegoer, Walker Percy
One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, Alfred Lansing
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde
Moneymakers: The Secret World of Banknote Printing, Klaus Bender
First Overland, Tim Slessor

Men, are any of these also your favorite? Ladies, what about you? Any women out there want to send in their top 25 chick lit picks? Do tell…

Helping Social Enterprises Make a Real Difference

Erin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:39:49 +0000

Guest post by Rosemary Addis, Social Innovation Strategist for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations of Australia.

Better World Books is a great example of a social enterprise – with its mission of making a global difference through literacy, one of the most powerful tools for change and inclusion. I am delighted to have the opportunity to post a guest blog to this community and share with you a book that has inspired me and my team in our work to support social enterprises “down under.”

So much powerful writing has contributed to this field. A book that was fundamental in shaping my thinking about social enterprises is The power of unreasonable people: How social entrepreneurs create markets that change the world by Pamela Hartigan and John Elkington (2008). It is a powerful, eye-opening look at unconventional entrepreneurs who have refused to accept the world as it is and instead have seized every opportunity to be ‘unreasonable’ to create real and lasting change in their communities.

The case studies and business models explored in the book show that it is open to all of us to be ‘unreasonable’ and that groundbreaking work takes courage, commitment, energy and drive and the ability to push on with a vision despite obstacles and setbacks. These are the characteristics of great social entrepreneurs.

Having trained in the legal profession, which prizes reason, this book helped me reframe unreason as the agency of change. In fact, being a “disruptive influence” can be a badge of honour to be encouraged in those working to promote social innovation and change.

I have had the pleasure and privilege to meet Dr Hartigan, including on her visit to Australia to support one of our leading universities in their work to foster social entrepreneurship. The work Dr Hartigan leads with her team at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Said Business School at Oxford demonstrates the very practical way in which her passion translates to support for entrepreneurs – and inspiration to others. Entrepreneurs can change and build markets. When they focus on social mission, the change can be profound.

In Australia, my team and I have been working to support entrepreneurs on a number of fronts, most recently with an innovative project to improving access to capital for social enterprises. The Australian Government recently announced the establishment of the Social Enterprise Development and Investment Fund (SEDIF). The new funds are an important step in providing access to capital at the right time for social entrepreneurs to be able to develop and grow their enterprises to achieve change. Seeded with Government support, these funds are the first of their kind in Australia.

They also represent an important early contribution to a capital market to support social as well as economic outcomes. The potential of entrepreneurship in this emerging area and how we can all play a role is captured in another compelling read penned by Jed Emerson and Antony Bugg-Levine: Impact Investing: Transforming How We Make Money While Making a Difference (2011).

So I encourage you to read about the possibilities of combining social and economic value to create change.

These books and other literature in the field are great reminders that social change is not only the province of governments, big companies, or ‘other people’. The good news is that anyone can bring new ideas, or adapt existing ones, to address unmet social needs and tackle social problems. And if people tell you that you are being “unreasonable” as you work to grow your social enterprise or make your contribution to combating the world’s pressing social issues, there is every chance that you are on the right track to make your contribution to change for the better.

Are you an “unreasonable” social entrepreneur? Is there is a book that has inspired you to act as a conscious consumer? We’d love for you to share your story below.

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from Rosemary Addis, the Social Innovation Strategist for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations of Australia. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Rosemary, we re grateful for your insight and work towards social enterprise progress!

Fantasy and Science Fiction: A Girl’s Primer

Erin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:52:53 +0000

Guest post by Sarah Gauthier

Thank goodness for Twilight.

I know people may roll their eyes at this statement. However, Twilight is what led me, along with many other fellow females, to the realization that fantasy and science fiction stories are fun to read. Since having this realization, I have enjoyed reading more than ever. Twilight led me to read Interview With a Vampire by Anne Rice, and after that, I started a journey by reading books like The Hunger Games, The Golden Compass and Brave New World, and I haven’t looked back!

What the heck was I reading before? Many of the books I read were very much like real life, or appeared to seem like real life. In other words, there were never any aliens, vampires, space ships and the like. I definitely still read “real life” fiction, but I find reading books that are so unlike reality a better way to escape my actual reality. It also improves your own imagination!

Girls look at fantasy/science fiction books and they usually appear massive, and there tend to be 100 in a series all of the same size. Definitely not somewhere you want to start. I found children’s fiction and teen novels were a great starting point! As said earlier, books such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman were a few favourites. Other ones that I have enjoyed are Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and Graceling by Kristin Cashore. After reading these stories, you will probably start looking for something more adult. May I suggest graphic novels? Graphic novels are a great way to look at pictures and still feel like a grown-up. They also have intricate plot lines and fabulous art. Two of my favourite series are Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Fables by Bill Willingham.

After reading teen books and graphic novels I started to get into fantasy and science fiction television shows. My all time favourite is Doctor Who. You may find that you just can’t get enough of these shows, so you should try reading television spin off books! My favourite Doctor Who book so far is The Way Through The Woods by Una McCormack. Many science fiction shows have spun novels out of their rich universes, such as Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.

This is when you might start to feel willing to hop into bigger or more classic fantasy and science fiction books. You are well prepared at this point. Still worried about those thicker titles? Try picking up the Chrysalids by John Wyndham, or The Hobbit (NOT The Lord of the Rings) by J.R.R. Tolkien. Finally, those big stories don’t seem so bad! I am currently reading Dune by Frank Herbert and Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin!

Another anecdote about this genre: men who work at bookstores are SO much more helpful when you are a girl looking for a work of fantasy or science fiction. They will jump over bookshelves for you. Liking fantasy and science fiction may be more appealing to men than asking where the latest Jodi Picoult book is (Still love Jodi). I hope my travels through fantasy and science fiction have helped all you females out there who need some spice in their reading list, or have helped suggest a few new titles for the veterans out there!

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our Twitter friend, Sarah Gauthier. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Sarah, go scifi!

Book Wish Essay Contest

Erin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:15:16 +0000

Calling all writers, here’s a chance to have a renowned writer or literary agent critique your work!

We are honored to carry many of the meaningful titles we stock at Better World Books and one of those that means the most to us is What You Wish For, a special book full of a collection of the world’s best-selling and honored writers for young adults and children. The authors share stories and poems that captivate, inspire, and offer hope about things we all wish for. Together with Darfur advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow, who wrote the book’s moving Foreword, they contributed to this amazing collection for free so that the proceeds could be used to fund libraries in Darfuri refugee camps in Chad.

The contest

Info directly from Book Wish Foundation

Pick one of the following stories from Book Wish Foundation’s new book, What You Wish For, and write an essay of no more than 500 words about how the wishes in the story relate to the Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad. The stories were contributed for free by their authors so we could use the book’s proceeds to develop libraries in Darfuri refugee camps. Essays will be judged on style, creativity, understanding of the story, and understanding of the refugees. If you win, either the story’s author or the author’s literary agent (as indicated in this link) will provide a one-page critique of the first 50 pages of a middle grade or young adult manuscript of your choosing. You will have six months to submit your manuscript, and the agent or author will have six months from submission to provide the critique. You may submit essays about more than one story for a chance to win more than one critique. Essays and winners’ manuscripts must be written in English.

The submission deadline is February 1st, 2012. For more information and to enter, visit the Book Wish Contest site.

Are you submitting? Let us know, we’d love to cheer you on! What are your personal stories about? Share by commenting below…

Textbooks for Tots

Erin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:23:46 +0000

We’ve all heard of Toys for Tots, but what about those old textbooks that you don’t ever want to see again? Is there a way they, too, can help children in need worldwide learn to read?

This holiday season we’re giving you the chance to create abundance with your unwanted textbooks!

If you and 3 of your friends pledge to send us your textbooks by Dec 20th you’ll all receive 10% off your textbooks for next semester when you buy them on BetterWorldBooks.com.

Shipping your books is easy and free. Simply fill out the form on our Facebook campaign page. We will get back to you with the easiest way to send. Have questions? Drop us a line at campus@betterworldbooks.com.

By sending your books you are joining a network of nearly 2,000 collegiate book drives across the US and Canada.

These book drives serve as green service projects, organizational fundraisers for students and a source of invaluable funding for worldwide literacy. Your books will generate an abundance of learning opportunities for those who otherwise would not have access to such material. Our non-profit partners like Invisible Children, Room to Read and Books for Africa will ensure your book donations reach those most in need.

You will also create a wave of gratitude from students who will have access to an even larger selection of used textbooks during the textbook buying season in January (some titles are already discounted up to 90%).

Thank you, good luck on exams and happy holidays!

Take part here.

Why do you send your books to Better World Books? Which cause do you support through your textbooks? We’d love for you to share your story below.

Pound for Pound in the United Kingdom

Erin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:03:41 +0000

Post by Yanna Constantinou, Better World Books’ Manager of UK AcquisitionsRoom to Read, our fantastic charity partner, which supports children to gain the lifelong gift of reading, has an amazing opportunity to leverage a £100,000 match fund and put 150,000 books in the hands of children in Asia and Africa: this week only, every online donation through The Big Give website will be matched pound for pound, effectively doubling your gift and its impact.

The £100,000 matching fund will only be secured if Room to Read can raise £100,000 online between 5th and 9th December.

Room to Read has an ambitious goal to fund 20 new local language children’s titles. Here’s how your donation could make a big impact during The Big Give Christmas Challenge:

£25 is doubled to £50, which could provide 100 colourful, engaging and culturally relevant local language books to inspire children to develop a lifelong habit of reading
£50 is doubled to £100, which could commission the services of a local author to write bright and appealing new books for their country’s children
£125 is doubled to £250, which could provide a whole bookcase of local language books at three schools in Asia or Africa, giving hundreds more children access to books written in their own language

If you want to help Room to Read satisfy, and fuel, many more students’ thirst for engaging literature by supporting the publication of 20 new local language books, please follow these simple steps:

Click here to “Like” Room to Read’s Facebook page for The Big Give, and receive reminders and updates about the campaign.
Click here to donate online at 10am today, (or as soon as possible). A limited amount of the match fund is available each day, and donations up to £5,000 will be matched until the fund runs out. Further match funds will be released at 10am each day until 9th December.

By supporting Room to Read during this campaign, you will help to double the number of books children can enjoy in libraries and schools across Asia and Africa from 75,000 to 150,000, and put a smile on hundreds of thousands of children’s faces.If you have any questions about the campaign or Room to Read’s projects, please contact their London office on: 020 7883 1958 or europe@roomtoread.org.

Extra Reading on Room to ReadAs seen in The New York Times! Read how columnist Nicholas Kristof calls Room to Read, “one of America’s fastest-growing charities” and about our recent milestone of the distribution of our 10 millionth book! Click here.

Check out one example of the impact book donors and BWB customers are making for Room to Read via Better World Books. Click here.

The Top 10 Books to Give as Gifts

Erin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:32:33 +0000

One of the coolest things about books is that they can make for a very thoughtful and personal gift. And when you get books from Better World Books, not only does the giftee feel special – but you save money, get free shipping, and we donate a book to someone in need. It’s a win, win, win!

We asked our bibliophile friends, fans and followers for their picks of the top 10 books to give as gifts. Here are their suggestions…

Dr Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Life is What You Make It by Peter Buffet

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Animalia by Graeme Base

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Tuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Have you read any of the listed books? Will you give them as gifts to anyone this holiday season? What other books do you suggest? Thanks for sharing below!

Books: The Real and Virtual Experience

Erin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:48:12 +0000

Guest post by Hector Macdonald, Editor of Book Drum

Book Drum had modest beginnings, but our dreams have always been big. As passionate paperback readers, we watched the arrival of ebooks with a certain amount of scepticism. What, we wondered, was the point? As some wit famously noted, a paperback can be dropped in a bath, never runs out of battery, and comes pre-loaded with a book of your choice. Ebooks seemed to do nothing more than replicate the effect of a printed book on an expensive piece of gadgetry.But that scepticism didn’t mean we were luddites. The three founders of Book Drum were all keen internet users, and we saw what mobile devices could do for books. You read about Holden Caulfield hearing a jazz number… wouldn’t you like to listen to it too? Captain Corelli turns up in Cephallonia… where is that, and what does it look like? Those kite fights in Kabul… wouldn’t it be nice to see a video of the real thing? All these extras were already available – if widely dispersed – on the Net.

So we set about building a website that would bring together the images, music, videos, maps, links and background information that could illustrate and explain the world’s best books. And because there are a lot of books out there, we designed it so that anyone in the world could contribute to the site.

We launched with just four example profiles. These inspired a pioneering bunch of contributors to add more. We ran tournaments to encourage further involvement, and knew we were getting somewhere when one competitor profiled the whole of War and Peace! Teachers and students caught on to the educational value of Book Drum: how much easier to study David Copperfield when you can see what Victorian London looked like, and understand the significance of the waltz in that period.

We had a dedicated following, but Book Drum still felt like a niche interest. All that changed this month when we launched the Internet’s first literary world map. By pinning the settings from 150 book profiles to Google’s 3-D Earth, we were able to create something that set publishers, authors and booksellers buzzing with excitement. Waterstones declared themselves too distracted to shelve any books; Random House feared for publishers’ productivity; and readers the world over kept tweeting the same descriptors: “cool!” “awesome!” “addictive!” “amazing!”. When the Guardian featured the Map, we knew we’d finally arrived.

Our dreams have always been big. But as the motto of one paperback hero has it, the World is not enough. Our World Map is a fun distraction. Book Drum’s really exciting reading idea is still in the works…

Explore Book Drum and let us know what you love most. Do you have anything to add to the site and community? What book do you wish was featured on the site and in what way?

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from Book Drum Editor, Hector Macdonald. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Hector!