Chris Crutcher headlines Freedom to Read Foundation fundraiser in Seattle

Contact: Judith Krug
Executive Director, FTRF
312-280-4226
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2006

Chris Crutcher headlines Freedom to Read Foundation

fundraiser in Seattle

CHICAGO – Chris Crutcher, who has been one of the most frequently challenged authors over the past two decades, will be the featured speaker at a fundraiser for the Freedom to Read Foundation on Sunday, January 21, 2007. Doors will open at 5:45, and Crutcher’s talk will begin at 6:30 p.m., to be followed by a book signing. The event will take place at the Seattle Public Library.

The Spokane-based Crutcher, whose books include “Whale Talk,” “Athletic Shorts,” “The Sledding Hill” and “Running Loose,” is one of the most popular authors in the Young Adult genre. He is the winner of YALSA’s 2000 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, Writer Magazine’s 2004 Writers Who Make A Difference Award, the National Council of Teachers of English’s 1998 National Intellectual Freedom Award and the prestigious ALAN Award, given by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents.

According to Freedom to Read Foundation president John W. Berry, “Chris Crutcher is a remarkably strong voice for young adult readers and for intellectual freedom. He has stood with schools and libraries as they have faced challenges to his materials. He’s an advocate as well as a writer. He gets it. More to the point, he’s a truly engaging speaker with great stories about writing, reading, and intellectual freedom. Don’t miss this chance to hear Chris speak!”

Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. The suggested donation to attend the event is $25.

  • You may use the secure online donation form to donate now. Go to http://tinyurl.com/ylvzts
  • Please indicate in the comments section that the donation is to attend the Chris Crutcher Fundraiser.
  • You may call the Freedom to Read Foundation office with your credit card information. Call (800) 545-2433 x4226.
  • You also may write a check, payable to the Freedom to Read Foundation (memo line: Chris Crutcher Fundraiser) and mail it to FTRF, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
  • Donations (by cash, checks, or credit card) also will be accepted at the event based on space availability.

For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/chriscrutcher or contact Jonathan Kelley at jokelley@ala.org or (800) 545-2433 x4226.

Visit Chris Crutcher’s homepage at www.chriscrutcher.com to learn more about Crutcher’s life and work.

Copies of Crutcher’s books will be on sale at the event, and all donations from sales will go to the Freedom to Read Foundation.

The event is being held in conjunction with the 2007 American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, and is sponsored in part by HarperCollins.

The Seattle Public Library is located at 1000 Fourth Street (206-386-4636), between Spring and Madison Streets. The library is approximately half a mile (six blocks) from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (Seventh Ave. and Pike St.). Parking is available nearby.