826 Kids Say the Darndest Things to Obama

Photo from the 37th District Democrats' Election Day Party by Will Austin via the Seattlest Flickr pool.

Just in time for Inauguration Day, 826 Seattle is celebrating the publication of Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters To President Obama (available January 20th). In the book, 826 students from all seven writing centers "reach out to the 44th president, speaking to the issues closest to their hearts, relating their life stories, and asking for help. Topics include the economy, education, war, global warming, race relations in America, and immigration. The book also includes letters about snow cones, puppies, microwavable burritos, dinosaur projects, multiplication, and the ghost of Abraham Lincoln, reportedly haunting a White House bedroom." To celebrate the book's release, there's a party and reading at 826 Seattle next Saturday afternoon.

Of the dozens of contributors, ten are local 826 Seattle students, who will be on hand at the party to have their famous author moment, reading from their letters and signing copies of the book. Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country has contributions from 826 Seattle students such as:

"I really hope you put America back together. No pressure though." - Sheenie Shannon Yip, age 13

"You are just like a big me." - Avante Price, age 7

"When you move into the White House, turn on the heater so it won't be cold. You could also take hot baths in your new antique bathtubs. Or you could make hot tea and coffee." - Nazrawit Dessie, age 7

More excerpts from the book at McSweeney's. Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country will be available for purchase at the event, with all proceeds benefiting 826 Seattle.

Saturday, January 24, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. // 826 Seattle // 8414 Greenwood Ave N // free