Upcoming Events
I love how stories let me slip out of my own life and slip into a different one. Through books, I've lived a thousand lives instead of just my own. When I meet new people, even if their lives are very different from mine, I try to imagine how life feels to them. Reading stories is great practice at putting yourself in other people's shoes, which is essential for making good friends … and maybe even creating world peace!—Laura Resau, Red Glass
Please come join Kids Need to Read at any of our events. We are always busy making new plans and there are several groups putting on their own fundraisers on our behalf.
Ongoing
Nathan Fillion Birthday Fundraiser for Kids Need to Read
Online
Nathan Fillion's birthday is on March 27th and as a co-founder of Kids Need to Read, he has made a birthday wish for our organization. The star of ABC's Castle is asking his fans to donate to the organization in honor of his birthday. “I support Kids Need to Read, because it fosters a desire to learn, the process of self-improvement, and the chance for children's minds to grow.” Donations made in honor of Nathan Fillion's birthday will not only enable Kids Need to Read to expand its programs but help provide KNTR “Peace Packs” to schools across the nation. KNTR's Peace Packs book collection is designed to help students cope with bullying, learn peaceful conflict resolution techniques, and develop effective leadership skills. Please help by giving to the Nathan Fillion Birthday Fundraiser in honor of our co-founder.
May 23–26, 2013
Phoenix Comicon
Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
Kids Need to Read Geek Prom
Don't miss the fourth annual Kids Need to Read Geek Prom, sponsored by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange and made possible by Phoenix Comicon. This event is our largest annual fundraiser. Expect Geektastic music and dancing, tons of prizes, special guests, a live Geek auction, Geek-themed decorations and photo sets, a Geek-o-tron, Fashion Geektacular, and crowning of the 2013 KNTR Geek Monarchs. To learn more about this event, including ticketing information, see our Kids Need to Read Geek Prom page.
KNTR Build-a-Book
Author/illustrator Steven Riley will lead daily creative sessions for children of all ages in the Kids Need to Read pavilion. Children will build a book page by page and can watch the book progress on the pavilion's Reading Wall. After signing a reading pledge, all Build-a-Book participants will receive a Kids Need to Read goodie backpack sponsored by Bookmans and filled with a hardcover book, magazine, & other goodies.
Reading Corner in Youth Art Room, sponsored by Bookmans and Kids Need to Read
From Bullying to Harmony: Understanding and Dealing with Bullying
Please join Kids Need to Read, author Tom Leveen, and Sgt. Darren Burch of Silent Witness as they help families learn to deal with the pervasive menace of bullying. Free copy of Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies provided to the first 100 families in attendance, courtesy of Kids Need to Read!
Kids Need to Read Presents: Poetry for the Movie Generation with Charles “Fig” Newton—Storyteller
Dynamic storytelling meets classic poetry as this veteran of the stage brings the power of poetry to life for children of all ages, including the child in each of us.
Kids Need to Read Presents: Build-A-Hero with Tom Leveen
Taking a page from fellow YA author and comic book writer Cecil Castellucci (Year of the Beasts; Boyproof; http://castellucci.wordpress.com), Tom will guide writers through a fun and revealing exercise building a hero and villain (and sending them into combat!) to illustrate how conflict is necessary for every genre of fiction.
Kids Need to Read Presents: How to Write & Draw Riley Style with Steven Riley
Steven Riley entertains with this interactive exploration of creation, storytelling, and illustration suitable for kids of all ages with active imaginations. Come be a part of the hilarity while experiencing your story springing to life before your eyes!
Kids Need to Read Presents: Finding Your Way PLOT Workshop with Sara Fujimura
Learn how to create an easy but thorough plot map for your fanfic, book, manga, anime, screenplay. Or even plot-heavy videogame. This is a hands-on, interactive writing workshop.
Frank Beddor Charity Book Drive for Kids Need to Read
Author Frank Beddor will be conducting a book-raiser throughout the convention. For every book sold by Beddor at his booth, he will be donating one to Kids Need to Read.
Justice League Arizona “Arkham Escape” Interactive Game Benefiting Kids Need to Read
“Escaped Arkham Asylum inmates” (identified by special badges) will be hunted down by Gotham City heroes and villains, escorted back to the Arkham Cell, and have their mug shots taken with their captors. Play yourself or rat out your friends for a $5 donation to Kids Need to Read. Participants will receive a keepsake Arkham Escape lanyard and an inmate tag. Justice League Arizona booth, Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Phoenix Comicon Charity Art Auction Benefiting Kids Need to Read
The Phoenix Comicon Charity Art Auction features unique one-of-a-kind creations by many guest artists. Pieces will include single artist and multi-artist jam pieces. The auctions will be silent and all proceeds will benefit Kids Need to Read this year. Location TBA.
Texas Hold 'Em Charity Poker Tournament Benefiting Kids Need to Read
No Limit Hold 'Em Celebrity Charity Tournament for Kids Need to Read. $10 donation. Unlimited chip replenish during first hour for additional donation. Optional add on after first hour. Cash only. Date, time, and room TBA.
August 2–4, 2013
Space City Con
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Dr.
Houston, TX
Kids Need to Read is the sponsored charity of Space City Con in Houston, Texas! This is our second year with the con and we are so excited! This three-day event (August 2nd through the 4th) is going to be filled with all kinds of fun for the whole family. The convention organizers are kindly supplying KNTR with a booth, so we will be on hand for this event of galactic proportions. Check out all the programming at spacecitycon.com. We look forward to seeing you in Houston!
