Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country

Though cruelly/constitutionally barred from voting, young citizens can still make their political voices heard. On January 15, the NY Times published letters from students of 826 National, the network of non-profit writing and education centers that was co-founded by Dave Eggers of the McSweeney's empire.

Mireya, an eight-year-old San Franciscan, proposed a ten point plan for President Obama which included: "4. Kids can go visit you whenever they want." She further stipulated, "If No. 4 is approved, let kids visit the Oval Office, but don’t make it boring."

Pamela from Boston, age 11, proved that our city's climate fosters empathy: "I think you should try to change the world by building shelters for the people who live in the streets. It’s the beginning of January, and it’s cold. Good luck being the president."

Their literary careers didn't peak with the Times. This Saturday at 11 a.m. at the BPL's Egleston Square branch, there will be a book reading and signing for the recently published collection, Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters to President Obama.

If you can't make the event, books are available online. For more information, visit 826 Boston.