Painting for Peace in Ferguson Wins Recognition from ILA and Two Other Organizations

FERGUSON, Mo. - June 23, 2016 - PRLog -- St. Louis, MO - The children's book, Painting for Peace in Ferguson (http://www.paintingforpeacebook.com/), recently received three new recognitions. The International Literacy Association (http://www.literacyworldwide.org/), selected Painting for Peace in Ferguson for its 2016 Teacher's Choices Reading List (http://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/reading-lists/teachers-choices/2016_tc_final.pdf?sfvrsn=8), Missouri Center for the Book named it one of two runners-up to its inaugural Ardis L. Glenn (http://books.missouri.org/content/spirited-competition-marks-inaugural-mcb-ardis-l-glenn-prize) prize as well as first place in Missouri Professional Communicators (http://www.mpc-nfpw.org/cpsiteframepage.lasso?-token.lpuserref=113815.113118)' children's books-nonfiction.

Since 1989 the ILA's Teachers' Choices project has "identified outstanding trade books published in the last year that teachers themselves choose as being exceptional for curriculum use." Approximately 30 books for ages 5-14 are chosen each year. The list, which includes Painting for Peace in Ferguson, which received the highest number of reviews for intermediate readers, can be found online (http://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/read...). The ILA has been recommending books to teachers worldwide for nearly 30 years.

The Missouri Center for the Book's nominating process was "carefully crafted to be inclusive for all books meeting the general requirement of a 'strong connection' to Missouri." Of Painting for Peace in Ferguson, the MCB said, "The book is a kaleidoscope of color with an uplifting message."

Painting for Peace in Ferguson received first place in The Missouri Professional Communicators' 2016 Communications Contest in the children's nonfiction category. Which makes it eligible for book awards with the National Federation of Press Women. Of the award, MPC officials said, "This is a very special book, well imagined and pieced together … Its message of a community coming together is one for the ages - youth to adult."

"It's a true testament to the response of the St. Louis community for Painting for Peace in Ferguson to be recognized by these outstanding organizations," said Klein. "To be on the ILA list and receive recognition from MPC and Missouri Center for the Book shows how important this book is in telling the story of how people and communities can come together to work through tough times."

Klein continued, "To have the Missouri Center for the Book recognize Painting for Peace in Ferguson yet again is a sign that the book continues to be a tool to help parents, teachers and children understand how everyone has the ability to create positive, lasting change in our world."

About Painting for Peace in Ferguson

Written by Ferguson native, Carol Swartout Klein, the book tells the inspirational story of hundreds of artists and residents of all ages who created colorful artwork depicting images of hope, unity and healing. Painting for Peace in Ferguson focuses on the way the community came together in November, 2014 to begin the healing process after months of racial unrest. Painting for Peace: a Coloring Book for All Ages, was release in May 2016. Proceeds from the story book and coloring book will be donated to youth-related nonprofits or small businesses in the north county area of St. Louis, Missouri.

About the Author

A journalist and marketing professional by training, Carol Swartout Klein grew up in Ferguson, MO, and was so inspired in witnessing the spirit of hundreds of volunteers coming together to bring hope to a community in shock that she wanted to capture the story and the art for posterity. Along with Painting for Peace in Ferguson, Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book inspires children and adults alike. Klein hopes that the connections formed between artists, business owners and community members will be honored and strengthened. Find more about the books and Carol online at paintingforpeacebook.com, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/paintingforpeacebook?ref=hl) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/PaintPeaceBook).