Problem:
Interest in reading is decreasing. Distractions include social stresses, TV and of course video games.
Solution:
Build a better mousetrap.
Influence the development of books that can compete for attention through the creative use of music, video and humor.
WHERE WE CAME FROM
LIFE OF AN AUTHOR
In early 2004, Alan St. Jean left his 20-year career in business and began writing children's books and visiting elementary schools. His love for writing, for telling stories and for laughter could not prepare him for what was to come. After a generation of teaching children about the world of writing, it is what he learned that surprised him.
Receiving cards and letters is one of the perks of being a children's author. Over the years, Mr. St. Jean has been blessed with overwhelming positive correspondence from students and parents alike. One of his favorites was from a very special little boy that was so excited to meet the author...he made a little 'Author Guy' out of legos and presented it to Mr. St. Jean in person during one of his visits.
THE 'LINK'
In the spring of 2019, Mr. St. Jean received a text from a teacher urging him to check out a recently posted link. The image it contained along with its message moved the heart of the author in a way that would change his life forever.
In the photo was a teenager about to graduate high school. He was obviously into sports as he was pictured with a football and a basketball. But, in his right hand was 'The Chronicles of Oren'...a book written by the author along with a note. It said,
"Thank you to the author Alan St. Jean! The Chronicles of Oren ignited a spark in my son that no other book before ever did! This book inspired his passion for reading and a love of books! This book will forever remain a treasure to me!"
A fire was lit, which led to research on how children think and process information. It confirmed what Mr. St. Jean already suspected: Children that emotionally connect to reading and writing between the ages of 6 -11 are forever changed. This is the 'light' that goes on in the mind and heart of a child opening up the world to them. Alan St. Jean decided then to spend the rest of his life focused on the development of books that help children make that connection. This is precisely why he started
The Young Authors Foundation.
WHO WE ARE
The Young Authors Foundation is a non-profit (501c-3) organization with a single purpose: To foster a love of reading and writing in elementary age children through the creative use of books, music and video. We share a common goal of teachers, school administrators and other fine organizations to raise interest in reading and writing. But we can do more.
As a growing network of authors, illustrators, musicians and teaching professionals, we have a unique and specialized focus on literacy. We are dedicated to raising the bar in children's books and challenging others to do the same....to light the spark and to change lives.
WHY WE ARE
The increasing challenge of getting children to read is a serious problem. It is an attention problem that needs our immediate attention. Simply getting books into their hands is a good start, but that doesn't solve the attention problem. Today's kids are distracted more than ever. We can combat this by first carefully considering how children think.
We at The Young Authors Foundation believe that if children are listening, they are learning. Therefore, we must get their attention. Maybe it's through humor or the use of bright colors. Maybe it's a simple, non-threatening look, or relatable characters in a fun story. Maybe it's the music that touches their heart or a video that tickles their funny bone. Here's where the maybe ends and the certainty begins: Combining the strategies will maximize interest. Add the encouragement to write with fun, step by step instruction and we all win.