Today I’m asking you to help promote the power of kids.

As grownups we shape and guide kids – as parents, as teachers, as leaders. We are their models. We don’t always do the right thing. We don’t always make the right choices. But we don’t give up trying – and that’s what kids see. You are the reason why a kid didn’t give up. You can make a difference. And as a parent, knowing this awesome gift we carry is scary and wonderful all at the same time!

I’ve met and read about so many amazing kids lately that are overcoming obstacles, big and small, and letting the power of their voice shine through. Like Caine. At nine he built his dream and didn’t give up, even when no one would share in it. You’ll be so inspired by what he started. Read the story. And Erik, an amazing 13-year-old author, book blogger, and super reader. Get to know him!

Kids matter. We need to let them know they matter. We need to let them know their words matter.

I wrote my first children’s book, Joshua and the Lightning Road, for my son Joshua. It’s a story about finding super powers, but also about finding your own special power inside that no one can take away. In the book Joshua learns that, “You don’t need powers to do the right thing. All you need is to believe in yourself.”

We can help kids do that.

And I want to make a difference for kids. I’ve launched a Kid Heroes series that features kids doing heroic things, in noisy ways and quiet ways. And for each feature I am donating $10 to Kids Wish Network. Nominate a special kid!

But I want to do more.

I want people to be more aware of the power of kids and their words in the vast social media universe. I want to share resources for families with kids in need to help give them a voice.

Will you join me?

This month I am asking everyone I know on Twitter or Facebook to post about a kid hero you know or kids in need, a positive paxil generic message, an inspiring quote, or a resource for families using #KidLitPower hashtag.

Me at my foster home

Why this month? Two reasons:

#1. Because May is National Foster Care Month. I was so lucky to have a wonderful foster family for almost a year before I was adopted (see my story). I don’t where I would be in life if it weren’t for the foster family foundation I had that led to my adoption by loving, supportive people – people who helped me believe in myself.

#2. My book Joshua and the Lightning Road releases this week on May 19th – a book that reflects the spirit of kids to embrace their strengths and differences and be their own hero.

I’m hoping, through a massive number of retweets and reposts, to keep this going throughout the month.

Won’t you add your voice of these kid heroes to #kidlitpower? Share your spirit with those kids and families who need a boost in challenging times. Maybe it’s a favorite inspirational quote about the power of kids, a resource that helped your child, a special story of one kid who made a difference, or a kid who has inspired you to change your life for the better. Help us remind everyone, especially kids, that no one can extinguish your special light.

Reading Joshua and the Lightning Road to a new friend in the kid’s book section of The Doylestown Bookshop

If you don’t yet follow me, please do so @donnagalanti. I’ll follow you back. If you’re not on Twitter you can still play with #kidlitpower quotes on my Facebook Author Page as well. I look forward to sharing in spreading the power of kids on May 19th and beyond!

Also, stop by my interview this week on Laurie’s book blog.

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Only a few hours left to pre-order Joshua and the Lightning Road and enter to win an iPad Mini, B&N gift card, and a map poster of the Lost Realm in the book! It ENDS AT MIDNIGHT May 17th!

Pre-order Joshua and the Lightning Road from your favorite bookseller and email proof of purchase to LightningRoadContest@gmail.com