If you have been in a department store recently, you probably know that sales of Halloween goods are in full force (probably right beside Christmas decorations). In the spirit of Halloween, the Charles Bruce Foundation is debuting a new children's picture book written by Phyllis Orenyo and illustrated by our own Chad Bruce. With an educational take on geography, the book features an exciting journey. Be sure to check out the list of upcoming events for book signings happening throughout the month of October, and be sure to get copies of the book for a young readers that are important in your life using the link below. You might even consider making a bulk purchase of the book for school donations.

In 2013, Diane Nilan and Pat LaMarche followed the same path as the Joad family in the Grapes of Wrath to bring attention to the plight of persons experiencing homelessness. They have been known as the Babes of Wrath ever since.

September saw them hit the road for another tour with stops in Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, California, and Utah. Although this tour took a slightly different route than the original, it brought new books to new audiences that detailed their cause. Pat LaMarche’s book, Still Left Out in America, and the Priscilla book series, along with Diane Nilan’s book, Dismazed and Driven. They are available through donations online by using the hyperlinks in this article. These books provide a wealth of information and inspiration to those working with families and youth in schools and communities.

If you were not fortunate enough to catch the tour during one of its stops, all is not lost. Tamara Lilly, host of the podcast TAMgents, interviewed Jamie Dorr of Midcoast Youth Center and Pat LaMarche of Babes of Wrath for an episode on homelessness. Click the link below to listen to the episode.