Media Inquiries:
Melissa Logan, 503-937-4813
SMART Book Award Campaign Promotes
Importance of Children’s Reading and Book Ownership
New Resources for Families via Web and Mobile
plus Book Giveaways in February
1 February 2010, Portland, Ore. – The nonprofit SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) is promoting the importance of children’s reading and book ownership via this first annual campaign, running in tandem with its SMART Book Award event. On February 1 the organization is launching a new website for families at smartbookaward.org that includes reading tips, book recommendations and more.
Families and SMART volunteers can also receive reading tips and info directly to their mobile phones by texting the word BOOKWORM to 90999. Standard message charges apply. Those who sign up to receive tips in February are entered to win one of eleven children’s books signed by Joey Harrington, seven year NFL quarterback and recent addition to SMART’s board of directors.
"These new resources are available to any family with elementary age children, not just those participating in SMART,” said Melissa Logan, SMART communications manager. “By utilizing the web and mobile technology, we hope to reach a broader set of people who want to help their kids live literate. We also hope this attracts new volunteers to our weekly, one-on-one reading program.”
Terry Shanley, SMART chief executive officer, said, “Reading at a young age is critical to a child’s future success. This campaign directly feeds into our vision of an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed.”
SMART public service announcements with Joey Harrington are airing on TV stations throughout Oregon including KOBI Television, KOTI Channel 2, KOHD, and KLSR/FOX. Videos were produced pro bono for SMART by Steelhead Advertising.
The campaign runs in tandem with the nonprofit’s eleventh annual SMART Book Award, where thousands of students in the program read nominated books and vote for their favorite. This year’s nominees are: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett withillustrations by Ron Barrett; Kiss Me, I’m Perfect! by Robert Munsch withillustrations by Michael Martchenko; Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell withillustrations by David Catrow; How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen withillustrations by Mark Teague; Cinderella Penguin, or The Little Glass Flipper by Janet Perlman.
SMART initiated the award in 2000 to further inspire an interest in books and reading. While national award winners are selected by adult panels, the SMART Book Award is 100 percent kid-selected. The winner is announced at an awards ceremony in Portland in March. Scholastic, an award partner, donates 10,000 books so each child may take home a copy of a nominated book.
About SMART® (Start Making A Reader Today)
SMART is a nonprofit that envisions an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed. We engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families. Since 1992, thousands of SMART volunteers have been inspiring little readers through storytelling. Together with support from the community, we are building brighter futures for Oregonians big and small. Volunteer or donate today. Visit www.getsmartoregon.org or call 1-877-598-4633.