The Blue Jai Project
Donation protected
Divorce is hard on adults and even harder on children! A Perfect Kind of Different is a children's book that will help kids understand and heal from the effects of separation and divorce! Written by 10 year old author Jaiden Z. Smith!
From MOM: I honestly did not realize the massive effect divorce has on children. It was a difficult subject to talk about in our home (initially). Fortunately, we were in a wonderful public school that offered services to children dealing with family separation and divorce. Due the alarming number of divorcing families, our school offered a guidance group where my children learned all of the coping skills mom and dad did not know how to teach. In our quest to find children's books on the topic we became discouraged and dissatisfied.
Upon completing the 9-week counselor guided peer group in school, Jaiden decided she wanted to write a book about divorce. A sensitive topic for a newly divorced mom, I didn't immediately encourage her but the desire never died. In the evenings Jaiden would tap away on the computer writing a book in PowerPoint. I noticed as time went on she got more focused on her writing even opting to drop her dance class to have more time to write. I knew as a mom, it was my job to fuel that passion. Once she felt her masterpiece was complete, I asked a former college professor to edit the book and she said yes, without hesitation. I hit Facebook in search of an illustrator and was blessed to find a local artist eager to take the challenge (Chelsea Hopkins). A local photographer (Aneris Photography) offered us a free photo shoot and captured Jaiden's true essence to give us a head start in marketing.
With all the chips falling in place, we turn to GO Fund Me to make it home. It is Jaiden's ultimate goal is to donate a copy of her book with every elementary school in her school district then to schools in surrounding districts (and across the country). She wants to visit other guidance groups and encourage children to be courageous while reminding them divorce is never their fault. Jaiden is VERY excited about the opportunity to do public book signings as well. We need the books published with hardback covers for durability as they pass from hand to hand in the schools. We desperately need your help to cover this expense. We can get 250 hardback books printed and shipped to us for $2,517.96. The additional funds donated will go towards marketing the book to ensure families know there is a resource available to them that will support them and provide understanding to children during such a difficult time. We will also need brochures, flyers, a banner, and books on CD (read by Jaiden) to give as gifts to children in immediate emotional pain. These CDs will be called "Don't Cry, Just Listen". Every dollar donated above our targeted goal will be used to increase the number of books we can purchase.
Will you help us reach Jaiden's goal? Will you help us make an impact on the lives of children in turmoil? Spread the word...its "A Perfect Kind of Different"!
A truly humbled mom,
Philicia (for Jaiden)
PS - We took the proper steps to ensure that the content of the book is appropriate for children (ages 6-12). The book is designed to educate using proper terminology, inspire with Jaiden's positive outlook on life, and to spark the conversations that parents don't always know how to start. This is a "self help" book for children (families) by a very sweet and caring little girl.
From MOM: I honestly did not realize the massive effect divorce has on children. It was a difficult subject to talk about in our home (initially). Fortunately, we were in a wonderful public school that offered services to children dealing with family separation and divorce. Due the alarming number of divorcing families, our school offered a guidance group where my children learned all of the coping skills mom and dad did not know how to teach. In our quest to find children's books on the topic we became discouraged and dissatisfied.
Upon completing the 9-week counselor guided peer group in school, Jaiden decided she wanted to write a book about divorce. A sensitive topic for a newly divorced mom, I didn't immediately encourage her but the desire never died. In the evenings Jaiden would tap away on the computer writing a book in PowerPoint. I noticed as time went on she got more focused on her writing even opting to drop her dance class to have more time to write. I knew as a mom, it was my job to fuel that passion. Once she felt her masterpiece was complete, I asked a former college professor to edit the book and she said yes, without hesitation. I hit Facebook in search of an illustrator and was blessed to find a local artist eager to take the challenge (Chelsea Hopkins). A local photographer (Aneris Photography) offered us a free photo shoot and captured Jaiden's true essence to give us a head start in marketing.
With all the chips falling in place, we turn to GO Fund Me to make it home. It is Jaiden's ultimate goal is to donate a copy of her book with every elementary school in her school district then to schools in surrounding districts (and across the country). She wants to visit other guidance groups and encourage children to be courageous while reminding them divorce is never their fault. Jaiden is VERY excited about the opportunity to do public book signings as well. We need the books published with hardback covers for durability as they pass from hand to hand in the schools. We desperately need your help to cover this expense. We can get 250 hardback books printed and shipped to us for $2,517.96. The additional funds donated will go towards marketing the book to ensure families know there is a resource available to them that will support them and provide understanding to children during such a difficult time. We will also need brochures, flyers, a banner, and books on CD (read by Jaiden) to give as gifts to children in immediate emotional pain. These CDs will be called "Don't Cry, Just Listen". Every dollar donated above our targeted goal will be used to increase the number of books we can purchase.
Will you help us reach Jaiden's goal? Will you help us make an impact on the lives of children in turmoil? Spread the word...its "A Perfect Kind of Different"!
A truly humbled mom,
Philicia (for Jaiden)
PS - We took the proper steps to ensure that the content of the book is appropriate for children (ages 6-12). The book is designed to educate using proper terminology, inspire with Jaiden's positive outlook on life, and to spark the conversations that parents don't always know how to start. This is a "self help" book for children (families) by a very sweet and caring little girl.
Organizer
Philicia Baugh
Organizer
Charleston, SC