AMES, Iowa -- Operation: Military Kids (OMK) and the Ames Public Library is hosting a reading and book signing by Linda Skeers, author of The Impossible Patriotism Project, on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Davidson Storytelling Room. Skeers’ book is included in the Operation: Military Kids reading collection that will be available statewide to support the children of Iowa’s military personnel. Free copies of Skeers’ book will be given to the first 15 Military Families who arrive for the reading collection kick-off event.
The OMK reading collection was designed to foster resiliency in Iowa’s geographically dispersed military kids. “The books in the collection were selected for and by military kids to help them cope with separation issues, develop problem solving skills, learn about other cultures and geographical regions, and build pride for their military family members,” said Chris Gleason, OMK project director. “Accompanying these books are activities developed by a librarian, middle school media specialist, and child development specialist from the Ames community to further expand the use of the reading materials.”
The reading collection is divided by age and grades into Operation: Military Kids “Hero” backpacks. There are six books and one DVD in the Birth to Kindergarten collection, seven books in the grades 1 – 4 collection, ten books in the grades 5 – 8 collection, and nine books in the grades 9 – 12 collection. In addition, the Birth through grade 8 collections include a puppet to accompany The Kissing Hand story.
The OMK reading collection is available for check out by teachers, counselors, therapists and Military Families through the Area Education Agency that serves their area. The OMK reading collection also is available at 10 Iowa National Guard Family Assistance Centers.
Operation: Military Kids is a partnership of Army Child and Youth Services, National 4-H Headquarters/USDA, and Iowa State University Extension/4-H Youth Development Program. Operation: Military Kids Iowa is supported by the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project under Kansas State University special project number 2007-48661-03868. The Operation: Military Kids Web site is www.operationmilitarykids.org .
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