Already convinced? Click here.

CLN needs you. Readers need you. Children who don't yet read need you.

At a recent seminar, Marian Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund said that anyone in this country who doesn't know how to read is sentenced to death.

That should make us all think about the importance of reading.

Knowing how to read is the first step. The second step is reading books that keep a reader looking for the next intriguing fiction book, magazine, graphic novel, comic book, nonfiction book, or e-book. Then, we can work on a grassroots level to spread the word about good books, the kind that will make readers think, give them hope, supply information, provide emotional support, and give them clues about being good citizens, good students, and good people.

Ultimately, reading is the cornerstone of civilization. With access to information, history, how-to books, and the thoughts and images of wonderful writers and illustrators, we learn and have a greater understanding of this complicated universe.

Children's Literature Network is an organization for those who have a professional interest in children's books, reading, and publishing. In fact, we say that it's "for adults who are passionate about encouraging young people to read."

We have plans for extending this organization's national reach, creating a solid grassroots network that will give greater confidence to, and supply information to, our members and those who visit our website. There are many more features waiting to be added to our website. Membership dues are our only funding source, so we're relying on the support of good people like you to make this happen.

Join today! You'll find benefits of membership, levels of membership, and registration forms in the menu at left.

Copyright 2002-2008 Children's Literature Network. Send us an e-mail.