Children's Lit Newsletter 12/23/25

Hey all!

So, at this time of year I try to highlight Children's Literature Non-Profits for End of Year Giving. For example, The Children's Book Project, Room to Read, etc.

Following are non-profits that were recommended by 'Listees' (that's you all).

We all know the difference that access to literature can make. So, if you're looking for a place for your end of year donations, here are some fabulous options:

The Children’s Book Project gives free books to children who need them for literacy, learning. and life. Since 1992, this San Francisco nonprofit has provided more than 3.4 million books to children throughout the Greater Bay Area and beyond—always for free and for keeps. Their programs create reading-rich environments and inspire new generations of lifelong readers in partnership with educators and community members who support the education, literacy, health, housing needs, and the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children ages 0–18 from low-income, marginalized, and at-risk communities.

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This is one of my favorite places to support! They get all my books that I don't need/want to keep for teaching, reviewing, etc. Everyone there is AMAZING!!!

This fabulous group is supported by long-time personal friend and Original Listee, Annette Goldsmith.

GLLI strives to increase the visibility of international works in English translation in libraries so that more readers can enjoy the amazing diversity in these books and the perspectives they present. Subscribe to the GLLI blog, read the winners of the GLLI Translated YA Book Prize, and explore translated children's books in "Building a Global Youth Literature Collection 101." We will soon have a "donate" button again on our website but right now we can accept checks made out to Social Good Fund (with "GLLI" on the memo line). Please mail to Vicky Smith, GLLI Treasurer, 108 Stillman St, South Portland, ME 04106. Include your contact information so we can send you a receipt, with our thanks!

https://glli-us.org/about/

Our Purpose

The Problem

Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is not a given for all children. Challenges – including low family income, housing insecurity, and family instability – prevent many children from following a bedtime routine, feeling comfortable and secure at night, and getting the age-appropriate amount of quality sleep they need. Children experiencing poverty are twice as likely to get insufficient sleep on school nights. This can have a lasting, negative effect on children’s health, social and emotional well-being, and school performance.

Learn more about Beyond Bedtime’s story

Our Solution

Beyond Bedtime provides children facing adversity with the materials, education, and support they need to wake up ready to thrive. Although sleep is a fundamental human need—just like nutritious food and safe shelter—we’re the only organization in the country dedicated exclusively to sleep health education for young children, families experiencing poverty, and the professionals who support them. Our programs and services deliver bedtime basics, sleep health education, and community connections—three key components that support a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep. By investing in bedtime, we invest in children’s futures.

Beyond Bedtime, formerly known as Pajama Program has always had my heart. Bedtime routines, coziness, lots of good books - those were a huge part of our daughters' childhoods. Supporting this program means other children have comfort, warmth and books as they snuggle with their loved ones.

More information and ways to donate here: https://beyondbedtime.org/

We believe in the power of stories to change lives!

The Latinx Kidlit Book Festival came into existence in 2020 during the most acute phase of the COVID pandemic. During that difficult time, we focused our work on the power of connection, community, and shared literary experiences.

Five years on—in these current difficult times— we remain steadfast in our founding values of fostering literacy, increasing empathy and uplifting Latinx kidlit creators.

We continue to work to unite, inform, comfort, and help us heal as a nation.

Just $20 puts a book in the hand of a child!

This Giving Tuesday YOU can help us support literacy, provide free virtual content for educators, and bring the gift of reading to children across the US.

Where your support goes:

• Book donations to classrooms and educators across the US and territories. Since 2020 we’ve donated over 10,000 books to readers across the country.
• Creation of over 25 free virtual programs per year, including storytimes, draw-offs, spotlights, conversations and curriculum-based workshops amplifying literacy and Latinx creators.
• Outreach to educators across the nation amplifying festival mission and creators.
• Our School Visit Fund which continues to connect Title 1 schools with Latinx creators. Learn more about the program.
• Free educator resources such as our databases, guides, and more.

Thank you for championing literacy and the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival!

DONATE HERE: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/latinx-kidlit-book-festival/monthly-donation-appeal-copy

MORE INFORMATION AND DONATION LINK FOR ROOM TO READ HERE: https://www.roomtoread.org/

For all the information in all the categories go to: https://www.caliballiance.org/golden-poppy-book-awards-2025

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I'm just posting the Children's YA Finalists. SO MANY LISTEES are in these groups! As someone who has served on various Golden Poppy Committees, let me tell you, the work and thought that goes into these lists is huge. So much passion and great debate!! A plethora of riches to choose from (seriously, that's the hardest part, getting it down to five) MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS!!

Hey all!!

Recently I have given Book Talks to students and parents that can focus on Engaging Reluctant Readers, Diversify Your (home or school) Bookshelves, and Great and Engaging Books (for various ages/grades). They've been well received and participants leave with TONS of information (and quite a few win prizes). I do these in schools or libraries, but would love to be hired by companies as a 'Perk' for their employees who have children in their lives. So, using my 'Social Capital' (that's you all) to spread the word.

I also work with teachers to help find great books that fit (and expand) the curriculum (otherwise known as my idea of a good time).

Please feel free to spread the word and send people my way: sharonlevin @ mindspring.com

We now return to our regular programming.

I try (when I have time/energy/spoons) to visit store websites and pull event information. However, the best way to get your events in is to e-mail me directly with FOR THE NEWSLETTER as the subject line. There are over 2000 subscribers to this newsletter - plus it gets posted on Facebook, Twitter (I said what I said), BlueSky and my local NextDoor. I am happy to spread the word, it's just easier if 'the word' (not the religious one) comes directly to my inbox

I'm only as good as my sources, so please do feel free to share events, good news, etc.! Please e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com and put For the Newsletter as your subject line.

I'm always happy to feature giveaways. There is NO paid advertising in this newsletter - I do not require anything to feature a giveaway. I'm just happy to do it.