Throw Grandma From the Plane: Noted Children's Author Takes A Leap for Literacy

Jill Vanderwood, author of What's It Like, Living Green? will take a Leap for Literacy, skydiving from 12,500 feet Saturday, September 12, 2009. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Literacy Action Center in Salt Lake City and the Reading Tub in Virginia and promote eco-consciousness through children’s literature.

Ogden, Utah (PRWEB) September 8, 2009---To celebrate Grandparent's Day, Jill Vanderwood will take a Leap for Literacy, on Saturday, September 12th to call attention to the problems of illiteracy and the need for environmental consciousness. Pointing out the fact that 70,000 adults in Salt Lake and Davis Counties cannot read two syllable words, the author hopes to make a difference by providing educational materials for adult learners through the Literacy Action Center in Salt Lake City and kids in Title 1 schools, through the Reading Tub. The West Valley City grandmother will take off and land at Ogden’s Skydive Center at the Ogden Hinckley airport. The event is sponsored by Highland Cove Retirement Community.

Donations for the Leap for Literacy should be made directly to either Literacy Action at 3595 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115-4434 or the Reading Tub at 3585 Glasgow LN, Keswick, VA 22947. Vanderwood plans to travel statewide educating children with her book on the small ways they can help preserve the environment for themselves and future generations.

“I’m 56, a grandmother, and I decided it was time to expand my horizons,” Vanderwood said. “I’ve always wanted to try skydiving and I love writing and educating children. Supporting the cause of literacy and eco-conscious education has given me the courage to take the Leap for Literacy.”

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is the author of four children’s books, including What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live. This book is the winner of the 2009 National Indie Excellence Award in the ‘Green’ category, and The 2009 Teen Development Award, in the Preteen Nonfiction category. The author has also been honored with the 2008 League of Utah Writers, Writer of the Year Award.
For more information, please visit her on the web at www.jillvanderwood.com