Authors for Earth Day (A4ED) is a coalition of children's authors and illustrators who each celebrate Earth Day with one special school visit that shares inspiring literacy programs, promotes environmental awareness and raises money for conservation. Our 2nd annual event brought great rewards and we are looking forward to 2012!
Every A4ED participant schedules a school visit in the month of April and generously donates a minimum of 30% of their speaking fee to a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization as decided by a student vote at the author's host school. This special event is designed to empower kids to find their "voice" as writers and as voters, and to use that voice to help care for our blue planet.
Thousands of students from California to New York have already benefitted from A4ED literacy programs. And our growing coalition has contributed more than $10K to organizations striving for a more sustainable future. Plus, to continue our environmental outreach throughout the year, Authors for Earth Day has an A4ED Blog. It's a place where eco-minded readers can meet some of their favorite authors.
Join us! If you are a traditionally published author or illustrator, join us in giving students the power of voice to protect their future. Simply email us at infoATAuthorsForEarthDayDOTorg. If you are a librarian, media specialist, teacher or principal, please browse our schools page for more details and consider scheduling one of the talented professionals on our growing list of Available Authors & Illustrators. Together, we are really making a difference!
The A4ED effort launched with a special donation by Jerry and Eileen Spinelli
Newbery author Jerry Spinelli seldom does school visits these days, yet he and his wife, award-winning author & poet Eileen Spinelli wanted to support our unique endeavor. After some reflection, the couple made a generous contribution to Bat Conservation International. I do have a soft spot for bats these days. We spend summers in Chautauqua, NY, where there are lots of bats and no mosquito bites. Bats are honored as the community “bird,” wrote Jerry. All of us at Authors for Earth Day are grateful for the Spinellis’ environmental spirit—we hope their gift inspires eco-minded authors and illustrators to join the A4ED team! Jerry won the Newbery Medal for his teen novel Maniac Magee and later earned a Newbery Honor for Wringer. Eileen has written dozens of children’s books, garnering an extensive list of awards. Our sincere thanks to these stewards of literacy and landscape!