dreamfleur

Love the vibe and playfulness of the song and video “Fireflies” from Owl City, how Adam Young got started, and how he describes his inspiration in the video underneath:

“I’d like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns, slowly
It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams…”

Adam Young describes the story behind his music:
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On Dreamer ENT I had the honor of interviewing an inspiring young lady who is spreading the love of reading to the young and old alike. Check out my interview with Adele Ann Taylor founder of Adele’s Literacy Library below:

There’s nothing like a good book; you can immerse yourself in different worlds, share someone else’s experiences and ignite your own imagination to what’s possible in the world.

Adele Ann Taylor has such a passion for books and at the age of 13 decided she wanted to share her love for reading with other kids, to show them how much power it holds and how much fun it could be. This is why she founded her non-profit organization Adele’s Literacy Library™ (A.L.L.) in December 2008. The goal of A.L.L. is to “instill and empower that reading is not only fundamental, it is the key ingredient to success and through reading ALL things are possible.”

Throughout the past few years since founding A.L.L., Adele has already donated thousands of books and spoken to hundreds of kids about the power of reading. Her main goals are to donate millions of brand new books and bookmarks to schools, libraries and charitable organizations, and to “make a difference” in the lives of others through a book. She also wants to eventually offer scholarships to graduating seniors who want to pursue their educational dreams.

Adele was crowned Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen 2009, making her an official representative for the sister group to the Miss America Organization, and she was most recently crowned Miss Bonnie Blue Outstanding Teen 2010. She is also a featured Hero on the website Kids Are Heroes that shows that young people can make a difference in the world. Watch Adele in the video below from a Kids Are Heroes event, where she speaks about her organization and how other young people can become change-makers in their communities:

KidsAreHeroes.com Presents Adele Taylor

Adele aims to motivate people of all ages to develop a passion for reading and show them that “regardless of where you come from, you can go anywhere in the world by reading a book.” This inspiring teen spoke to Dreamer ENT about how she got started and what she’s up to now - ALL for the love of reading.

Dreamer ENT: Tell us about you - how old are you and what grade are you in, and a little bit of your background?

Adele Taylor: I am a 14-year-old freshman [will be entering 10th grade in the upcoming year]. I am the oldest of three; I have a younger brother and sister. I enjoy rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, hanging out with my friends, dancing and of course reading.

DE: When and why did you start Adele’s Literacy Library? What sparked the idea and what did you do to get started?

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Having just finished with finals I’m finally free to post more regularly here and on my other sites. I’ve also been adding to the Dreambook Directory section of this site, where I post great links and resources I’ve come across as way of quickly sharing them. The lists will be constantly updated and added to, and certain items will be spotlighted later in Dreamfleur. Stay tuned to the top of the sidebar where you’ll see links to the pages and the dates when each page has been significantly updated.

So far the DreamBook pages include:

• Favorite Creative Sites & Blogs

From illustrators to photographers, here are some of my favorite creative bloggers and sites. These are not all of the creative sites that I enjoy visiting but I’ll be adding more regularly.

Health & Wellness Resources

Currently studying public health I often come across wellness-related resources and links that I’ll post on this page.

Motivating Youth Page - Updated 4/17/10

Much of the work I do is to inspire young people, especially those going through difficult situations or those at risk from low-income neighborhoods. Here are resources and links about motivating our youth today.

Inspiring Girls & Young Women - 4/17/10

Through the program I’m currently developing I want to inspire girls and young women to grown up to be confident, and discover their purpose. On this page you’ll find some links, resources and media picks that are about motivating and empowering girls to become intelligent, confident women.

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Some time ago a friend introduced me to the song “One Step At A Time” by Jordin Sparks from her previous self-titled album. The song and video remind you that reaching your goal might take some time but not to be discouraged by disappointments. Other doors will open and you’ll reach where you’re meant to go in time if you get up and keep going.

“One step at a time, There’s no need to rush, It’s like learning to fly…”

Here’s a great opportunity for young women who are into journalism and media:

NikeWomen.com is searching for the One. A girl with crazy charisma and sports savvy to become the next Nike Field Reporter. She’ll hop across the continent to interview sports stars, music stars, rising stars and super stars.

She’ll chill with them. She’ll chat with them. She’ll challenge them. And report it all back in the form of videos and blog posts on
nikewomen.com.

Learn more about the contest and enter at:
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikewomen-en_US/2010/03/31/about-the-gig

Deadline: Contest ends April 30, 2010

Who’s eligible: A one-of-a-kind 18 to 24 year old with crazy charisma and sports savvy.

Check out the promo video below to see clips from past field reporters:

Meet eight-year-old Ruby Marigold Booker, the main character in the Scholastic book series “Ruby & the Booker Boys” by author Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Ruby is creative, fun, sassy, smart, and shows her style and individuality by sporting mismatched shoes and coming up with new adventures to undertake.

The series follows Ruby’s fun experiences and lessons as she navigates her eight-year-old world. Her character is relatable for all little readers especially African American girls who can see themselves in a character that looks like them and can be inspired by a positive example of a black family reminiscent of “The Cosby Show.”

Watch the video below of Barnes talking about why he started the series:

I love the essence of the Ruby books and it would be great to see more books from the series. If you have a little reader in your life or know of someone who does, consider supporting the series by purchasing the books, especially book 3 and 4. If they’re not in your bookstore you can have them ordered or order online. The books are pretty affordable and they are worth bringing joy to children who may not have seen a role model like Ruby.

If you are or happen to know any educators (teachers, librarians, principals, etc.) you can visit the author’s website to find out how to schedule a classroom visit.

Click here to be a fan of Ruby & The Booker Boys on FaceBook.