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. If Kids Need to Read has been informed of any event benefiting our organization, you will find it listed here.

Sunday, February 19, 2012
Comics N Coasters Family Fun Day Benefiting Kids Need to Read
1:00 PM - 9:00PM
Castles N Coasters
9445 N Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, Arizona 85051

Come ride the Desert Storm – Arizona's most exciting roller coaster! PLUS go on Castles N Coasters' Newest Rides & Attractions—the Sky Wire and the Ropes—all for one low price! COMIC PRIZES will be raffled for KNTR by some of Arizona's Top Artists: Mike DeBalfo, Raven Gregory, Bianca Thompson & MORE! Costumes are welcome in the amusement park. No capes, long wigs, or other hazardous items allowed when riding.

2 price packages available:

BRONZE PASS $18.00 Per Person for ALL DAY Unlimited Rides
Regular Admission $25.00

SILVER PASS $21.00 Per Person for ALL DAY Unlimited Rides & Golf
Regular Admission $30.00

Offer only valid on Sunday Feb. 19th, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Friday, April 20, 2012
Texas Library Association 2012 Conference
10:00 AM-11:50 AM
Houston Convention Center
1001 Avenida
Houston, Texas

The TLA has graciously provided a two hour panel to Kids Need to Read to discuss our mission and opportunities for underfunded libraries. Panelists scheduled to appear are PJ Haarsma, Denise Gary, Nathan Fillion, Dr. James Blasingame, and Dr. Teri Lesesne. In addition, Dr. Blasingame and PJ Haarsma will conduct additional presentations earlier in the morning.

Friday, April 27, 2012
Edwin P. Hubble Award Dinner
Cherry Blossom Festival
Marshfield, Missouri

The Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative will be presented to PJ Haarsma, Denise Gary, and Nathan Fillion for their work in founding Kids Need to Read to provide literacy resources to disadvantaged children and adolescents throughout the United States. The award is Marshfield, Missouri's highest honor and is presented annually to those who have shown great initiative in their lifetime. The three KNTR founders will be honored during the Hubble Dinner, which takes place during the city's annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Tickets to the dinner will be available in the spring. The award and accompanying dinner is named in honor of Marshfield's native son and namesake of the Hubble Space Telescope, Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953. The first Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative was awarded to Lady Bird Johnson in 2004. The most recent recipients (2011) included Dr. Martin Luther King (for demonstrating initiative during the Civil Rights Movement), Lynne Jackson (founder and president of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation), and Dr. Christopher Sullivan (for his work in preserving American history).

May 24-27, 2012
Phoenix Comicon
Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ

Kids Need to Read Geek Prom
Don't miss the third 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 and sold out the past two years. Expect fun, prizes, a live Geek auction, and special guests. To learn more about this event, including ticketing information, see our Kids Need to Read Geek Prom page.

KNTR Build-a-Book Project
Author/illustrator Steven Riley will lead daily creative sessions for children in the Kids Need to Read pavilion. Children will build a book page by page throughout the convention and can watch the book progress on the pavilion's Reading Wall. All participants will receive a Kids Need to Read goodie backpack, sponsored by Bookmans.