T.A. Barron's Blog, page 13

How Do You Spread Kindness?

I believe that kindness is an altogether different entity from being nice. The sad truth is that you can be nice out of politeness while still thinking mean thoughts. However, to truly be kind, you must care about your fellow man (or woman!), all the creatures of the world, and nature itself. Kindness comes in many forms, including acts as simple as smiling at a passing stranger and as heartfelt as profound acts of charity and service. 

Each act of kindness we perform is an inspiration to others. There’s an old adage that charitable acts ought to be done in silence, but I disagree. Leading by example is often the best way to encourage those around you, so be open about your acts of goodwill without being boastful —  tell others what you’re doing to help make the world better, and you’ll be sure to inspire a few to follow your path!

Because I feel so strongly about inspiring others through our actions, I’ve recently asked my readers to share the kind things they are doing to make a positive difference in the world. I’ve been so impressed to read each of their labors of love and how they are working to spread hope and goodwill in their communities.

In What Ways Are You Spreading Kindness in Your Community?

As someone who works in schools, Cassandra R. has plenty of opportunities to practice her labor of love through the students she encounters. She writes, “My profession is a lunch lady. I love my job and the kids are #1. I started out when the pandemic started doing my part helping with sack breakfasts and lunches for the students[…] A lot of students depend on us to be fed. I know my life is better having them in it.” A marvelous example of how a part of life so many take for granted can truly make a positive difference.

Jennifer W. understands the importance of our frontline workers and how crucial it is to protect them. She writes, “I donated over 80 pounds of fabric and elastic to ladies making face masks for medical professionals.” Her kindness makes a huge impact on the lives of others. 

Kathleen M. reminds us all that sometimes it’s the little things that can make a difference. She writes, “I try to treat others with kindness in my daily life—whether it’s a smile, card, e-mail…” A small word of kindness is still a tremendous labor of love. 

A mental health therapist, Marissa J., actively seeks out additional training to help families heal from trauma. She writes, “I know I can’t save them all, but at least they know they’re not working through the pain alone.” Sometimes, knowing that someone is there is enough to make a difference.

Another example of true kindness comes from Ella K., who made twenty tie blankets for children in hospitals. Because she had the first-hand experience of being a child that had to have surgery, she knows the comfort that a special blanket can bring during a miserable time. She writes, “I wanted to give back, so I’ve spent my own money and time to make as many blankets as I could to help those kids in need […] My goal is to make 50 by the time I graduate from high school, and I know I’ll get there.” I believe in you, Ella, and am proud of your ambition and amazing heart!

Occasionally, a small labor of love can turn into a life-changing experience. Joni H. used to work in business, but would take their guitar to do sing-alongs with hospital patients. She writes, “During that time, I came to believe I wanted to be a full time ‘helper,’ so I went back to school to become a psychiatric technician. Ultimately, I worked in a state hospital for over 30 years.” During that time, Joni was able to help hundreds of people to have a better life when they got out of the hospital. A lifetime of kindness, born out of love — an inspiration to all of us.

Cheryl M. from Australia has a meaningful life philosophy, “practice random acts of kindness.” She writes that she tries to do at least one each day, no matter how small. Such a beautiful way to add meaning to your life!

Among all the amazing stories of goodwill you shared, I was touched at the number of people whose work was aimed at showing kindness for our fellow creatures. “I recently conquered my fear of snakes to take care of Cosmo, a friend’s ball python, for a month while his family had to return to a different country for a health emergency,” writes Annika L. “I didn’t think I liked snakes very much prior to meeting Cosmo, and I was honestly a little afraid of handling him, but I was soon proved wrong! Cosmo’s sweet and gentle and really likes exploring. I was reminded that we all have prejudices and presuppositions about others, but they can easily prove us wrong if we give them the chance…” Great work, Annika!

Each act of kindness we make is an inspiration to others. In the words of Princess Diana, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” How will you spread kindness today?

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Congratulations to 2020’s Barron Prize Winners!

Each year, the Barron Prize awards outstanding young people whose personal stories and service work act as an inspiration example of the power we all have to make the world better. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the prize, which has honored over 500 amazing young heroes over its lifetime. I invite you to take a moment to read through this year’s list of marvelous, accomplished young people, to visit their project sites, and learn more about them!

Aniyah A., age 14, of Pennsylvania, who created Aniyah’s Mission to help Philadelphians in need and to show young people that their voices and actions matter.

Annie Z., age 17, of Texas, who co-founded Fresh Hub to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to people living in Houston’s food deserts. She also created Readiness Across Mathematics to support underserved youth in learning math.

Bill T., age 18, of Maryland, who founded the Bioma Project, an environmental education nonprofit that brings native fish aquariums into classrooms.

Chander P., age 17, of Maryland, founder of Urban Beet, which creates urban farms in order to provide fresh food to underserved people and help cool city neighborhoods.

Dana P., age 9, of Colorado, who started Cookies4Cures. She bakes and sells cookies and has raised more than $100,000 to fund research into rare pediatric diseases.

Isabella T., age 18, of California, who created Read a Story, Change a Life, a literacy intervention program that has helped more than 2,500 at-risk youth learn to read and write.

Isha C., age 17, of California, co-founder of Youth vs. Apocalypse, a diverse group of young climate justice activists.

Kavi D., age 18, of California, co-founder of Reaching Out with Robotics, a
student-run program that works to increase technology literacy for underserved youth.

Kavi G., age 17, of Pennsylvania, who leads the Yash Gandhi Foundation and has raised more than $460,000 to help find a cure for I-Cell, a rare, genetic childhood disease.

Lillian P., age 17, of New Mexico, who created an early warning system using satellite imagery to predict crop yields in every African country several months before the harvest.
 
Madhvi C., age 9, of Colorado, who founded Madhvi4EcoEthics to reduce plastic and Styrofoam pollution and inspire others to do the same.

Matine K., age 18, of Colorado, co-founder of Helping the Homeless Colorado, recently rebranded as EEqual, a national nonprofit that supports the education of students experiencing homelessness.

Sammie V., age 11, of Indiana, founder of Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project, which recycles plastic caps into designated benches where schoolchildren can sit when looking for a friend.

Topher J., age 12, of Idaho, who created the Lonesome Larry Project and has raised nearly $11,000 to protect sockeye salmon and other threatened fish by selling custom-designed socks.

Viraj M., age 17, of Arizona, who develops technologies and apps for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancers.

These young leaders work hard to make their ideals and passions a reality and are an example to us all. Please join me in celebrating their accomplishments!

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What is Your Labor of Love? 8 Simple Ideas To Make the World Better

What does it mean to be kind? Is it simply about minding your manners and going through the motions? About doing what’s expected of us, and nothing else? Is kindness merely the absence of malice, or is it something more intentional we must work toward — a genuine labor of love?

I’ve come to believe kindness is more than just a series of generous or polite impulses. Genuine kindness requires us to be thoughtful as we go about our daily lives — to see beyond our own struggles, to reach toward those around us, and to take positive action. Kindness means offering what you can whenever you’re able, even if it’s something as simple as a smile, a friendly word, or a shoulder to cry on. In this way, kindness truly is a labor of love — love for a stranger, love for families, love for community, love for our planet.

And kindness is contagious! People who take the time to practice these small labors of love, who work on spreading happiness, and who improve the world for others — even if only for a minute — are influencing those around them more than they might know. Because being the recipient of someone’s goodwill alters our point of view, and taps our inner reserves of hope and gratitude. Once shared, one simple act of kindness will grow and multiply, warming hearts and building connections.

This month, I’d love to hear all about your own labors of love! Visit me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to share how you’re spreading kindness and enter to win a special prize package including some of my books and other goodies.

Your labor of love doesn’t have to be back-breaking physical labor, nor does it necessarily need to feel like “work” at all. Kindness spreads heart to heart from the moment it is shared, and all it takes is one person to go out of their way to make a positive difference in the life of another. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of a few simple ways you can spread kindness today.

Plant a tree — A terrific way to show your love for our planet, and for the birds, insects, and other creatures who will make it their home.Donate books you’ve read — Passing along a gently used book to someone else can brighten their day — or even change their life!Sincerely compliment someone — A kind word can do wonders for someone else’s self-esteem.Mentor someone — We all have our own unique skills that someone else might benefit from, so taking a moment to share your knowledge can be life-changing for another person.Clean up after yourself — Whether at home, in a restaurant, or when outdoors — being kind is about leaving what (or who!) you encounter in better shape than when you arrived. Say “please” and “thank you” — and mean it. Let those around you know how you appreciate what they’ve done for you. Try not to complain about minor inconveniences. Maintaining a positive attitude — even when things sometimes go wrong — is a kindness not only to others but to yourself as well. Volunteer to walk dogs at a shelter — Kindness should be spread to all creatures of the world!

There are countless ways to spread kindness and love. My hope is that this has provided a little bit of inspiration for you to be the change you want to see in the world. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what is your Labor of Love?

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Magical Background Images for your Video Calls

Have you been using video chat applications like Zoom to talk to friends and family during this period of social distancing? Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of hosting your very own virtual book club? If so, here are a few custom backgrounds for fans of my books to help give your video calls a new look!

Click each thumbnail to open the full-size image in your browser, then save your chosen image to use as a fun background during your next video chat session. For more information about each book pictured here, click the book title link below the thumbnail to see more details about that story.

The Adventures of Kate





Heartlight



The Ancient One





The Merlin Effect



The Heartlight Saga

The Atlantis Saga





Atlantis Rising (Book 1 of The Atlantis Saga)



Atlantis in Peril (Book 2 of The Atlantis Saga)





Atlantis in Peril (Book 2 of The Atlantis Saga)

The Merlin Saga





MERLIN: The Lost Years (Book 1 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Raging Fires (Book 3 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: A Wizard’s Wings (Book 5 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: Doomraga’s Revenge (Book 7 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Great Tree of Avalon (Book 9 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Eternal Flame (Book 11 of The Merlin Saga)





MERLIN: The Seven Songs (Book 2 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Mirror of Fate (Book 4 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Dragon of Avalon (Book 6 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: Ultimate Magic (Book 8 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: Shadows on the Stars (Book 10 of The Merlin Saga)



MERLIN: The Book of Magic (Book 12 of The Merlin Saga)





Other Books





High As A Hawk



Tree Girl





The Hero’s Trail

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Celebrating Everyday Heroes

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that we are surrounded by heroes?

The heroic people around us may not have super powers — at least, not the kind that allows them to read minds or leap tall buildings — but the qualities they possess and the powers they have to do good are very real.

Heroes are people who advocate for good, triumph over everyday obstacles, and show genuine bravery or strength of spirit. These are the people who work, step-by-step, to make the world a better place, and who inspire all of us to find the best within ourselves.

And, anyone can be a hero. In fact, heroes are created every day! They can be found in our schools, our hospitals, our fire stations, our libraries; they can be found walking down the street in our neighborhoods, and driving along our highways and roads. Sometimes they may have chosen careers that put them in the face of danger or which call on them to sacrifice something for the sake of others, but just as often they are a mom or a dad, a boy or a girl, an everyday someone who encounters a situation that requires them to act with courage, selflessness, and care.

In today’s never-silent, 24/7 media culture, it’s become easy to confuse heroes with celebrities — people whose faces we see on the covers of magazines, on TV shows, and on the Internet. But heroism doesn’t come from being famous or wealthy. But being a hero isn’t about becoming well-known, or seeking the spotlight. True heroism is about character. It comes from qualities that are inside most of us — right at this moment! —like courage, compassion, and the perseverance to carry on in spite of great obstacles.

Everyday heroes are always among us, but it is in the most challenging times that they can reveal themselves in unexpected places: stocking your local grocery stores, making deliveries in your neighborhood, or even working in agriculture to ensure a successful harvest.

Though the heroes we encounter every day don’t seek recognition or accolades for the good they’re giving to others, we can pay them back in gratitude, kindness, and gifts that show we recognize the positive difference they’re making within their communities.

9 Ways to Celebrate Everyday Heroes Where You Live

Leave snacks for your delivery person. They’ve been working hard dropping off your online purchases, your groceries, and your meals during this time. Give them a little fuel to get through the day.

Tip a little extra. Whether you’re eating out or receiving deliveries and other personal services, people could use a little reminder you appreciate the risk they’re taking each day to keep you comfortable and happy.

Make a donation to a local nonprofit. Choose one that provides human needs like food, shelter, and clothing so they can continue their mission during this time of need.

Make a homemade mask for your favorite educator. If you want to make it extra special, have your child’s art printed on the fabric before you sew it using a site like bagsoflove.com.

Shop local. Local businesses are struggling in some areas, and you can easily support them and thank them for staying open by choosing to purchase from them when you can.

Leave a cooler with ice cold drinks for your trash collectors. It’s an easy way to let them know you care on these long, hot summer days.

Make a donation to your local fire station. Many companies host event fundraisers to raise money for their firefighters, equipment, trucks, and daily operations. Now that many of these events have been canceled because of social distancing, a small monetary donation can really make a difference right now.

Write a positive review for a local restaurant. Offering take out, delivery, and in-house dining options can be taxing for a business that hasn’t provided all of these services at once before. If you have a good experience with a friendly staff member and delicious food, take a moment to jump on their Facebook, Google, or Yelp and let them and everyone else know about the job well done.

Give when you shop online. If you choose to shop online, use a service like iGive, GoodShop, or Amazon Smile to ensure your favorite charity receives a benefit as well

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Heroes Every Day

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Merlin’s Guide to Living Your Best Life

Back in 2018 I wrote a blog post which began,

“These are dark times. In our country and our world, we’re surrounded by divisiveness, greed, mean-spiritedness, hatred, cynicism, fear, and rage. So much so, the darkness sometimes threatens to cover us all in shadows.”

And truly, these words seem more fitting now than they did even then.

Now, more than ever, there is a desperate need to be kind, seek positivity, focus on personal growth, and appreciation of our fellow humans.  Merlin — not only the great wizard of legend, but the boy who grows to manhood through The Merlin Saga — has been a source of inspiration for me to follow the path of hope. His wisdom, faith, and ability to dig deep and find the good in himself and others, even while facing personal struggles, encourages me to find the magic within to create a better life.

I hope Merlin’s words do the same for you.

Merlin’s Guide to Living Your Best Life

“One day, Merlin, you may find that the merest trembling of a butterfly’s wings can be just as powerful as a quake that moves mountains.”

MERLIN: The Mirror of Fate (Book 4 of The Merlin Saga)

No matter how small you are, remember you have the power to do good.

Merlin’s story reminds us again and again that no matter how small or powerless we may feel, we all have the ability to make a difference. It is through our own efforts, determination, and will that we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, succeed in whatever we put our minds to, and change the world around us for the better.

In times of uncertainty like those our nation faces today, when chaos surrounds us and we ache to make a difference, it’s important to remember that we have the power to act and change things.

“Remember the first rule of tree speech: Listen before you speak.”

MERLIN: The Seven Songs (Book 2 of The Merlin Saga)

Listen before you speak.

We can learn much from Merlin about respecting the opinions of others, the power of perspective, and the importance of personal growth. When you take a moment to listen to others, to truly hear what they’re saying, you not only show that you respect and care about their opinion, you also give yourself an opportunity to learn — about the person, about the situation, and even, sometimes, about yourself.

“Excessive pride in oneself. It’s a flaw that has felled many a great person.”

MERLIN: The Seven Songs (Book 2 of The Merlin Saga)

Humility may be your greatest power. 

Prideful people often lack the ability to notice when they’ve got more to learn, admit when they’re wrong, and accept help and guidance from those with more wisdom, strength, and experience. 

Confidence is important, but it’s just as important to never trade humility for arrogance.  Though we all aim to move toward enlightenment and deeper understanding, we all remain human and therefore, fallible — just like Merlin.

“The heart can see things invisible to the eye.”

MERLIN: The Seven Songs (Book 2 of The Merlin Saga)

Cherish love and follow your heart.

Love is magical. In one or all of its varied forms, it’s a powerful emotion that has the ability to fill your heart, mind, and soul so completely that it truly feels like magic. 

If you are open to love – if you allow it into your heart to guide you – it can lead you to places you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. It can open your mind to new experiences. It can show you things you’d easily overlook or dismiss without it.

Love inspires Gratitude, requires Courage, and encourages Generosity. It is fueled by Knowledge and Belief, accessed through Wonder, and kept alive by Hope. It is through Love that we are able to find the most meaningful ways to live a magical life. 

“Everything is connected to everything else.”

MERLIN: The Seven Songs (Book 2 of The Merlin Saga)

We’re all in this together.

At the end of the day, none of us is an island. What we do, how we think, and how we live… all of it has an impact on others — our friends and family, other parts of our community, other creatures, our country, and our planet. We, as humans, require interaction and interdependence to survive, and just as recognizing the connectedness of things was an important part of Merlin’s journey, it must also be for us in order to create a better world for all.

To live your best life — and help others live theirs — understand that your actions have consequences. Understand that your words have power. Appreciate that you have shoulders to lean on and that, at times, others will need to lean on you. 

And remember, we’re all in this together.

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#ShowYourShelfie

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Celebrating Educators… Now, More than Ever!

Each May during Teacher Appreciation Week, educators across the nation are thanked by students and parents for all the things they do to provide support and guidance within their schools and individual classrooms. And this year, as families find themselves facing the new challenge of distance learning, perhaps you, like so many others, are discovering a new appreciation for teachers and educators!

Personal distancing guidelines in many places mean we may not be able to show our gratitude in person — and with every school adapting a little differently, you may need to make adjustments to suit your particular situation — but if you’re seeking a few creative ways to thank the educators in your life, here are a few ideas intended make sure the message is received.

10 Unique Ways to Celebrate Your Teacher While Social Distancing

1. Send a subscription to a food delivery app. If you have the means, sharing a few quick meals can help ease the burden while many of us are maintaining personal distance. A gift of food can go a long way to showing your appreciation to an educator who may be working irregular hours.

2. Decorate your windows with posters of appreciation. Do you live near your school? Connect with and encourage your school community to create posters for each teacher, then hang them in your front windows for others to see as they pass by. And be sure to take a photo to share!

3. Chalk art your sidewalks. Another option for a grateful community art project: encourage your school families to chalk art the school sidewalks if you’re able to do so while safely maintaining distance guidelines. Consider making a schedule for each grade to go on a different day to limit crowding, and remind them to keep local health guidelines in mind so everyone stays safe. Alternatively, if your child’s school is nearby, encourage local families to create chalk art showing teacher appreciation on the sidewalks in front of their homes.

4. Create a video message.  Ask each family in your child’s class to record a short video message for their teacher, then edit them together in a ‘virtual celebration’. There are lots of online tools available to amateur videographers that can help create a compilation to share, not only with your child’s teacher, but with everyone who participated!

5. Write a letter. Have your child write a letter of appreciation to their teacher. It’s a great learning opportunity that doubles as a thank you! You can send the final result through the mail or take a photo and share it digitally with your child’s teacher.

6. Make a yard sign for your yard. If you have multiple children with multiple teachers, a large “We love our teachers” sign, or one that says, “We love our school” is a way to show appreciation for the work of your local educators. If you only have one teacher to celebrate, you can make your yard sign more personal.

7. Coordinate a live video thank you. If you are in a situation where your children’s teachers conduct live courses via video, coordinating efforts with their classmates could result in a great surprise. Reach out and ask each of your child’s classmates to write “Thank You Mr./Ms…” on a piece of paper. Then, designate a certain time during an upcoming session for all of you to hold up the thank you messages at once!

8. Make a photo thank you collage. If a live video message doesn’t work, for your situation, here’s a social media inspired option that might: Assign each student in your child’s class a word. Ask them to write the word in big letters on a piece of paper and hold it for a photo. Then, you can use the photos to create a grid message to your teacher and post it online for them to see. An email works too. Here is an example of one a few seniors did: Class of 2020 photo grid.

9. Get them a gift card. They may not be the most personal option, but gift cards are terribly useful, and may just be the perfect opportunity for your teacher to enjoy a much needed treat.

10. Organize a parade. A teacher parade! Create a map of participating families from your school and ask your teachers to follow the map around town. Families can make signs celebrating their teachers then go into their yards at the designated time and greet their teacher parade from the curb. It’s a fun way to get outside, stay safe, and also let your teachers know you care.

However you decide to show your appreciation, this month is the perfect time to show your gratitude for the teachers who have and continue to do so much for the students in our lives.

Tree Girl Activity Sheets

Dear Parents, Educators, and Caregivers,

These Tree Girl activity worksheets were created as part of my Tree Girl read-along video series to be enjoyed by children of all ages. Each chapter presents something fun and new to learn about or explore. Pick your favorite activity or subject in each chapter, or do them all! The suggested questions and activities included here were designed to extend the fun of Tree Girl, and can be used with one child or with small groups. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to use these worksheets. The most important objective is to provide children with fun activities that open the door to conversation and learning. 

Nearly all activities are appropriate for grades 1-7, and can be adapted for younger or older children. If your child cannot yet read or write, they can still enjoy completing the projects in this guide with a little help from older siblings, parents, or caregivers. For older children, use the topics and projects as a starting point and allow them to dig deeper into any of the projects or subjects in the guide.

Most of the projects in this guide can be done on the spur of the moment, needing little preparation and using common household materials whenever possible.

Each of the activity sheet links below correspond to a chapter of Tree Girl I have uploaded to my YouTube channel. Watch for new activities to be available each week as we read through the chapters together, and let’s have fun on our adventure with Anna through the world of Tree Girl!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18