December 5, 2007

Who Says Boys Don't Read?

Every year for the past eleven years, our family has collected children’s books for the Wood Memorial Book Drive.

People know about our book drive and often hand us bags of wonderful books. Area schools and businesses have helped our collection efforts as well.

But we’ve never had anything like this happen:

A couple weeks ago while volunteering at our school’s book fair, I met Lucia, a fellow volunteer. When a student was a few dollars short, Lucia reached into her pocket. That child left with the book she’d wanted. And I left with a great impression of Lucia.

Two days ago, Lucia called. “Do you still need books for your book drive?”

“Yes.”

“My son, Todd, has some he’d like to donate.”

With a couple plastic bags in hand, hubby and I showed up at their home. We should have brought a Mack Truck.

Stacks of books covered their dining room table. Hardbacks. Paperbacks. Fantasy. Mystery. Humor. Classics. Current favorites.

“309!” said Todd, a sixth grader, standing beside the books.

“Did you read all these?” I asked.

He nodded. Then he helped us load his books into our car so we could bring them to the Palm Beach County Literacy Council to be distributed to children in our area.

Todd’s a charming kid who collects author’s autographs. He handed me a card and asked for mine. I put my signature at the end of sincere thank you note.

Thank you, Todd, for proving the naysayers wrong. Boys do read! Thank you for generously donating your books so other children can have good books to read. And thank you for being the kind of kid who makes me glad I’m a children’s book author.




If you’d like to drop Todd a line, leave a comment on this blog, and I’ll make sure he reads it. A gift certificate is on its way to Todd so he can begin to replenish his supply of books.

Happy reading everyone and hope your holiday happenings are happy ones,

Donna

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Todd,

You are a very special guy. I'm curious to know who your favorite authors are?

Beth

Sylvia said...

Hey Todd,

You are truly an inspiration to all of us writers and teachers here in Palm Beach County.

With all those stories you've read, I bet you've stories of your own on paper or in your head.

Good luck and keep up the wonderful work.

from Sylvia Andrews

Dan R. said...

Todd:
I promise that I'll get busy and write some of the stories I've kept locked in my head for too long.

Daniel Rousseau

Anonymous said...

Todd,

Congratulations on a deed well done. How does it feel to know so many kids will have a book (maybe their first one) because of you?

May your spirit always be so generous.

Linda Marlow

Anonymous said...

Todd, it was really great to meet you. You are one great kid!

Dan Gephart

Anonymous said...

there are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice, and you def choose the best one!

its good to hear young people doing great things, and who have such a big heart.

Nicole

Mary Hershey said...

Wow, Todd!

You're amazing-- thanks for a great holiday tale!

Your fan,
Mary Hershey

www.maryhershey.com

Anonymous said...

As a seventh grade teacher, I am very impressed! I can't wait to share this story with my class.

Anonymous said...

Todd,
I am so proud of you! You are such a kind, generous soul. When you grow up and run for office, you've got my vote. I can say, "I knew him when.....".
Mrs. Hataway