From: janet_at_janetwong.com
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:34:49 -0400

That is such a great story, Sue, about your .009 investment for the extra 2,560 pages of that boy's reading!

I have a Kindle and an iPad but I don't use either much now except when I'm traveling; I did use them lots, though, when I first got them because it was such fun to explore these new gadgets. And THAT, I think, is the reason to make them available to kids. It's fun to press buttons or touch a screen and see things happen. And if a kid who's "not into reading" can get excited about an e-book, that excitement might be enough to turn him into a reader (of all things, on all things) for life.

A story that another author told me: last year his son wanted an iPad for games. OK, the dad said, but I want you to use it to read, too. The boy reluctantly agreed and downloaded a sample from a book. In 5 minutes, he'd turned the background black and the text white, made the font HUGE, expanded the dozen-page sample to 50 pages, read all 50 pages, and asked to buy the whole book (which he then promptly and proudly turned into a 3,000 page book).

Ask the parents: I've heard several teachers talk about how their students' parents are very willing to chip in to buy a Kindle or Nook to circulate. You could ask for just $5 per family (or $10 per family and you'll have a nice start for your e-book library). Doesn't hurt to try!

All best, Janet janet_at_janetwong.com

(Please look for my e-book poetry collections!)
Received on Wed 12 Sep 2012 10:34:49 AM CDT