About Us
DrewsBooks strives to expose young children to themes surrounding anti-bullying, nature conservation, autism awareness and much more. Through whimsical rhymes and vivid imagery, Drew and friends take readers on adventures in different landscapes, situations and countries, and work to address difficult everyday situations.
Our aim is to initiate discussions between young students, educators, parents, guardians, families and friends, and most importantly: for children to read! These discussions can be guided using the Discussion Points available as well.
Important life lessons are interwoven through subtle images and child-friendly narratives, and are enhanced by music and actions demonstrated exclusively through our free interactive apps, animated shorts and animated film. With these additional programs, parents are not even expected to read the story – the narration does it for them!
The multimedia functionality of DrewsBooks makes Drew’s stories available to anyone, and the first two stories have even been translated into Mandarin and Spanish. DrewsBooks deeply values inclusion, intellectual curiosity, advocacy and, of course, fun.
Our aim is to initiate discussions between young students, educators, parents, guardians, families and friends, and most importantly: for children to read! These discussions can be guided using the Discussion Points available as well.
Important life lessons are interwoven through subtle images and child-friendly narratives, and are enhanced by music and actions demonstrated exclusively through our free interactive apps, animated shorts and animated film. With these additional programs, parents are not even expected to read the story – the narration does it for them!
The multimedia functionality of DrewsBooks makes Drew’s stories available to anyone, and the first two stories have even been translated into Mandarin and Spanish. DrewsBooks deeply values inclusion, intellectual curiosity, advocacy and, of course, fun.
The background story of The Drew Book Series
When Justine Danielle Del Monte was 11 years old her teacher, Mrs. Moresco, gave the class an assignment to write a short poem. Justine wrote the poem in less than five minutes because she wanted to spend time with her friend, Samantha. Samantha was visiting from Washington to visit her very ill Uncle Marc. Samantha commented that she wanted the story because she volunteered for the Big Sister’s Program and the girls loved rhyming stories and Justine’s poem communicated some important moral teachings she would like to reinforce. Fortunately for Justine, she knew an amazing illustrator her friend, Brandon Chappell.
Brandon was inspired and volunteered to create the beautiful illustrations for Justine. The book was copyrighted and sent to Samantha. Justine’s Aunt Rita loved the book and Justine sent her books to donate to Aunt Rita’s local libraries and a children’s camp. Brandon, who is extremely creative, and always thinking of others, created an interactive children’s App of the book, "Drew’s Dancing Drum." Since the free App went global several schools requested copies of the book and even suggested they do another book. Justine, thinking about her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, decided this would be a great project to “give back” to the community. Justine wrote “Discussion Points” for each of the books – like Book Club questions – questions parents and educators could use as a tool to engage children to reinforce the kindness and anti-bullying messages in the books. She noted that children’s books do not come with discussion points. Justine, at age-12, wrote, “Drew Meets Boo,” The App was created. Then, came requests for it to be translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Justine and Brandon have proudly donated books to schools, parents, teachers, churches, libraries and more.
Brandon and Justine’s characters are now part of the Public Broadcasting Services family nationally thanks to Dione Dirito. Her daughter, Sophia, and Justine are girl scouts in the same troop and Sophia is one of Justine's best friends. Dione has been a publicist for 25+ years and was inspired by the project and reached out to her contacts at Public Broadcasting Services. Dione is an advocate of bullying prevention. Their books have been animated by Public Broadcasting Services and can be watched on their stations nationally and also on drewsbooks.com for free. The discussion points can be downloaded for free on drewsbooks.com/discussion.
The books in the series –
Drew’s Dancing Drum (written at age 11) – Drew is bullied for his passion for drumming. He overcomes his bullying with the help of his father.
Drew Meets Boo (written at age 12) – Boo is bullied for her appearance and for her funny name and overcomes her bullying with the help of her friend, Drew, her confidence, and with kindness.
Drew and The Cyber Bully (written at age 13) – Drew is bullied on social media when a bully makes fun of his Mother. Boo is there to help and quickly realizes the authorities are needed.
Drew and Boo Adopt Lou and Sue (written at age 14) – Drew and Boo adopt rescue animals and they reinforce being responsible pet owners and never bullying animals.
Drew Moves (written at age 15) – Drew moves to a new school and he overcomes his fear by forgetting judgment and accepting the new people he meets. He learns to appreciate diversity and embraces the richness of other cultures. No matter where he goes, the kids all have common interests.
Drew Learns About Autism (written at age 16) - Through simple rhyming, this story teaches kids that we are not all the same, which makes the world more special and interesting and the importance of acceptance.
Drew and Boo Love Nature, too! (written at age 17) - Each leaf, pebble, and drop of water on this planet is precious. We all need to take care of and appreciate the world we live in.
Drew and Boo Clean the Ocean (written at age 17)
Brandon and Justine have been delighted to receive inspiring letters from students across the country. They definitely prove that everyone can make a difference to make the world a better place.
Brandon was inspired and volunteered to create the beautiful illustrations for Justine. The book was copyrighted and sent to Samantha. Justine’s Aunt Rita loved the book and Justine sent her books to donate to Aunt Rita’s local libraries and a children’s camp. Brandon, who is extremely creative, and always thinking of others, created an interactive children’s App of the book, "Drew’s Dancing Drum." Since the free App went global several schools requested copies of the book and even suggested they do another book. Justine, thinking about her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, decided this would be a great project to “give back” to the community. Justine wrote “Discussion Points” for each of the books – like Book Club questions – questions parents and educators could use as a tool to engage children to reinforce the kindness and anti-bullying messages in the books. She noted that children’s books do not come with discussion points. Justine, at age-12, wrote, “Drew Meets Boo,” The App was created. Then, came requests for it to be translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Justine and Brandon have proudly donated books to schools, parents, teachers, churches, libraries and more.
Brandon and Justine’s characters are now part of the Public Broadcasting Services family nationally thanks to Dione Dirito. Her daughter, Sophia, and Justine are girl scouts in the same troop and Sophia is one of Justine's best friends. Dione has been a publicist for 25+ years and was inspired by the project and reached out to her contacts at Public Broadcasting Services. Dione is an advocate of bullying prevention. Their books have been animated by Public Broadcasting Services and can be watched on their stations nationally and also on drewsbooks.com for free. The discussion points can be downloaded for free on drewsbooks.com/discussion.
The books in the series –
Drew’s Dancing Drum (written at age 11) – Drew is bullied for his passion for drumming. He overcomes his bullying with the help of his father.
Drew Meets Boo (written at age 12) – Boo is bullied for her appearance and for her funny name and overcomes her bullying with the help of her friend, Drew, her confidence, and with kindness.
Drew and The Cyber Bully (written at age 13) – Drew is bullied on social media when a bully makes fun of his Mother. Boo is there to help and quickly realizes the authorities are needed.
Drew and Boo Adopt Lou and Sue (written at age 14) – Drew and Boo adopt rescue animals and they reinforce being responsible pet owners and never bullying animals.
Drew Moves (written at age 15) – Drew moves to a new school and he overcomes his fear by forgetting judgment and accepting the new people he meets. He learns to appreciate diversity and embraces the richness of other cultures. No matter where he goes, the kids all have common interests.
Drew Learns About Autism (written at age 16) - Through simple rhyming, this story teaches kids that we are not all the same, which makes the world more special and interesting and the importance of acceptance.
Drew and Boo Love Nature, too! (written at age 17) - Each leaf, pebble, and drop of water on this planet is precious. We all need to take care of and appreciate the world we live in.
Drew and Boo Clean the Ocean (written at age 17)
Brandon and Justine have been delighted to receive inspiring letters from students across the country. They definitely prove that everyone can make a difference to make the world a better place.
June 28th, 2018
FAIRFIELD — Suisun City illustrator Brandon Chappell will sign copies of his books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Solano Town Center, 1350 Travis Blvd
Hop N Play at the mall is donating 1,500 from the Drewsbooks series for the event.
Chappell’s short film, “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” recently won best animation at the Christian Life International Film Festival in Canada.
His latest app, based on the third book in the series, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” is available on iTunes app store.
Full Article Here
Hop N Play at the mall is donating 1,500 from the Drewsbooks series for the event.
Chappell’s short film, “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” recently won best animation at the Christian Life International Film Festival in Canada.
His latest app, based on the third book in the series, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” is available on iTunes app store.
Full Article Here
December 29th, 2017
Award winning teen author writes about bullying and acceptance
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Justine Danielle Del Monte is a high school junior in California. She really enjoys traveling, and attended a semester abroad in South Africa. When she was eleven she began her writing with “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” and continued Drew’s adventures with her second book, “Drew Meets Boo,” written at age 12. Her most recent story, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” was written at age 13, and it continues to educate children on bullying. She aims to send positive messages about acceptance to young children. She likes writing for kids, as she relates to many of the struggles they face at such a young age, and her passion for writing has enabled her to turn her books into her Girl Scout Gold Award. Find out more about Justine here. She says, “I wrote the books because bullying is so prevalent and kids need this information at a young age, far before middle school. It’s also important to understand why kids bully and to see not only how they are hurting others but how they are hurting themselves.”
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STORY MONSTERS INC. Interview!
Author Justine Del Monte and Illustrator Brandon Chappell are featured in the Story Monsters Inc Magazine! Visit storymonstersinc.com
Justine Danielle Del Monte honored by PACER'S, "The National Bullying Prevention Center," in the Student's Taking Action segment.
Teen author writes books to send positive messages to young children
Justine Danielle Del Monte is currently in the 11th grade in California. She really enjoys traveling and attended a semester abroad in South Africa. When she was eleven she began her writing with “Drew’s Dancing Drum,” and continued Drew’s adventures with her second book, “Drew Meets Boo,” written at age 12. Her most recent story, “Drew and the Cyber Bully,” was written at age 13, and it continues to educate children on bullying; she aims to send positive messages about acceptance to young children. She likes writing for kids as she relates to many of the struggles they face at such a young age, and her passion for writing has enabled her to turn her books into her Girl Scout Gold Award. (Justine has also earned the Bronze and Silver Girl Scout Awards.)
'A true Disney story' — two girls from the opposite sides of the world met on the Disney Magic ship
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When the Disney Magic Cruise ship pulled into dock at the Port of Tyne, there was excitement across the region.
But no one was more excited than 18-year-old Robyn Hogg, from Cramlington, who waited eagerly for the majestic ship to arrive. And Robyn isn’t even a Disney fan. Instead, she was waiting to star in her own fairy tale, as, thanks to a magical coincidence, she prepared to be reunited with her friend Justine Del Monte, a girl from the opposite end of the globe who she had thought she would never see again. Robyn and Justine were among a thousand other youngsters who took part in a conservation project at a school in Singapore. Placed in the same group, along with other youngsters from as far away as India and Korea, they became firm friends but, living thousands of miles apart, when the trip ended they didn’t expect to see each other again. Read Full Article Here >> |
Academy Alum's Apps Make Learning Good Values Fun for kids Dec 12, 2015"Chappell got into making apps in a roundabout way. In 2012, a friend, Jacqueline Del Monte, asked him if he could draw a one-page illustration for a story her then 11-year-old daughter, Justine, wrote for a school project. “I decided to surprise Justine and turn her story into a book,” he said.
His vibrant illustrations brought Justine’s simple, engaging tale about a young boy who learns to be true himself and stand up to bullies to life in the resulting picture book, Drew’s Dancing Drum. Chappell then turned the book into an interactive app. To date, the app has been downloaded 7,000 times in 93 countries and has been translated in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish." -Read FULL ARTICLE Here>> |
Book lovers, authors unite for BookFest Solano April 3rd, 2015Several local authors are also part of BookFest Solano. Illustrator Brandon Chappell of Suisun City is featured at two workshops Saturday. One will focus on choosing the correct illustrator. At the second session, he will be paired with Justine Del Monte, who penned “Drew’s Dancing Drum” and “Drew Meets Boo.” Chappell illustrated the books and has also converted them into interactive children’s apps.
Suisun City artist illustrates, develops apps for books Jan 11th, 2015SUISUN CITY — Brandon Chappell knew he wanted to be an artist early in life.
But he had no idea it would be illustrating children’s books. Chappell, a longtime Suisun City resident, took a story told in rhyme from Justine Del Monte, the 11-year-old daughter of a friend, illustrated it and “Drew’s Dancing Drum” came to life. The poem was part of a class project for the young girl. Jacquie Del Monte, Justine’s mother, knew of Chappell’s artistic ability and asked him if he would be interested in illustrating what her daughter penned. He offered to do it as a gift, Del Monte said. He donated his time and talents because of the content of the book, he said. It spoke of Christian values much like his own, Chappell said. He also felt a connection to Drew, as both are drummers. He then decided the book needed an app. Chappell, 31, a San Francisco Academy of Art graduate with an emphasis in 3D animation, took on the task, teaching himself how. “As I started to make it, I felt I had gotten in too deep,” he said He refused to give up on the app, spending “thousands” of hours to bring the free app to life, giving children an interactive experience with the book. “I wanted every single thing they touch to do something,” he said. The story teaches children about bullying, forgiveness, kindness, empowerment, community service and the importance of family and following your dreams. Read FULL ARTICLE Here>> |
A Young Life Spent In Service For Others
The entire event had been a little dazzling, I was still just turning 13. Perhaps there was some advantage in the fact that it had been written by a person who was little more than a child herself. It was written on a level that communicated with children and contained messages that taught children life lessons without the little readers knowing they were being taught. We learned that someone took the book home, read it to her children, and they wanted me to write another book.
Brandon agreed that I should write a second book. It was a little scary because I hadn't really intended to write the first book, but had just dashed off a ;little poem. So I sat down and spent ten more minutes writing a sequel that I called, "Drew Meets Boo." Brandon illustrated that as well, and it also began to attract a lot of attention. People loved it.
I decided the books would be the content of the Gold Award project. When I began analyzing the books, I discovered there were more messages than I had intended to write or even imagined that I had written. In the first book, the main character gets bullied, loses his way, and then his dad makes him realize how to be happy again by pursuing his dreams, no matter what anyone says. It's the kind of life lesson that children's books sometimes fail to teach. So I rolled the books into my God Award project and proposed using the two books as the basis for teaching life lessons to children. I wrote a series of discussion points that educators and parents could use as tools for talking about such topics as bullying, friendship, family, self-esteem, empowerment, forgiveness, and kindness.
The two apps are electronic versions of the books and are totally free on DrewsBooks.com. I've also donated 255 books to schools, libraries, and national children's programs. The combined books have had 8,000 downloads and the apps have been downloaded in 76 countries. This has all been done by word of mouth. We haven't spent a time on PR or advertising. The word keeps getting out, however. One of my friends' mothers, for example, had a connection with KVCR. The producer loved the books and interviewed Brandon and me for a piece on anti-bullying.
The Girl Scout Troop Lear's at Palmer School all gave me wonderful support at every step of the project, but they allowed me to enjoy the freedom to do what I wanted to do. I've remained a dedicated Girl Scout since those early days, though some of met fellow scouts have moved to other schools, priorities have changed, and other activities have diverted them away from the troop so that now only five of us remain. Three of us have been there since we were Daisies. My wonderful mother, Jacquie, has been the Troop Leader almost as long as I've been a scout. She's been with me every step of the way through the amazing journey I'm on. I love her! I'm proud of her! She's one of my heroes. My father, Charles, has been the best Girl Scout dad it is possible to imagine. He was our taxi driver, the cook at our slumber parties, and supervisor when we needed supervision. He has supported me in every way possible.
My Other Story
When I was four years old, my Mom took me to a birthday part at Walnut Creek's Civic Park. While we were having fun, we could see a homeless family hanging about the park. When we were packing up to leave, the host mom thoughtfully packed cup the leftovers and gave it to the unfortunate family. Something about that generous act and the gratitude expressed by the family set something burning in my spirit. My own birthday was a month later and when I got home I shared with my mom what seemed to me to be a thrilling idea. I told her to notify all my friends and tell them not to bring me any birthday presents but, instead, to bring peanut butter and jelly so we could make a big stack of sandwiches to take to the homeless family.
Mom explained to me that the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would be gross and slimy after a couple of days, so we settled on canned goods. When the other kids heard about the idea, they were excited too. Some of them got creative and brought a whole meal, with some soup or other kind of main dish together with vegetables, fruit, sodas, and something sweet for dessert. Others brought boxes of their favorite breakfast cereal. Mom explained that the homeless family was no longer at the park so we donated the whole thing to the local food bank.
Mom told me years later that she had been thrilled by my generous act and by the very fact that I would have come up with such an unselfish plan. Some of Mom's friends complimented her on my act but assured her that the food bank party would be a one-time ting. I guess they figured that another Barbie doll or inline skates would quickly become more important in my eyes than giving cans of corn to the homeless. However, they had no idea how much joy I got from seeing that homeless family getting some food to eat, nor could they imagine my sense of satisfaction at watching that truck drive away, filled with food that would keep homeless families from going to bed hungry.
So a year later, when my six-year-old birthday rolled around, I had not a moment of indecision about what kind of party I would have and encouraged my friends to not bring me any presents but to bring even more food than they had the year before. I imagine she of my mom's friends thought two years would be my limit but three months ago, on September 26, I turned 14 and for the tenth time my friends came to my party bearing bags, boxes, and crates of food items for the homeless. I can't remember my third birthday so I can't remember even not doing a personal food drive for my birthday. All of my friends are older, of course, and have some disposable income with the result that we collect so much food it takes two vehicles to haul it to the food bank -- nearly 400 pounds of all the non-perishable food items you could imagine. I learned a few years ago how fortunate it is that I have a September birthday because it is the beginning of the holiday season, which represents a huge increase in demand for the food that the Food Bank disburses.
Once a year seemed too infrequent a cycle for helping the homeless, so we also conducted mini-food drives at various girl Scout events at Palmer School where I attended from kindergarten through the eighth grade. My food drive birthdays have demonstrated a pay-it-forward power because parents have told my Mom that their children are asking for "experienced" - by which they mean lightly used - clothes and toys for their birthday to give to the disadvantaged children, rather than receiving traditional birthday presents.
During my freshman year in high school, a teacher assigned us to write an essay about something we experienced in our lives, so I wrote about my birthday projects for the homeless. The teacher expressed surprise at my story, "I never knew a child who wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for their birthday," she said. I was surprised at her surprise because I never imaged there was anything special about my experience.
I am currently in the 9th grade at Athenian School in Danville. It is a wonderful school. I intend to go to college and major in a medical field. Whatever I do, I want to do something to make the world a better place and especially to serve my community in any way I can. I've learned that I have gifts for helping others; I intend to not let those gifts sit idle but to put them into service for others.
Brandon agreed that I should write a second book. It was a little scary because I hadn't really intended to write the first book, but had just dashed off a ;little poem. So I sat down and spent ten more minutes writing a sequel that I called, "Drew Meets Boo." Brandon illustrated that as well, and it also began to attract a lot of attention. People loved it.
I decided the books would be the content of the Gold Award project. When I began analyzing the books, I discovered there were more messages than I had intended to write or even imagined that I had written. In the first book, the main character gets bullied, loses his way, and then his dad makes him realize how to be happy again by pursuing his dreams, no matter what anyone says. It's the kind of life lesson that children's books sometimes fail to teach. So I rolled the books into my God Award project and proposed using the two books as the basis for teaching life lessons to children. I wrote a series of discussion points that educators and parents could use as tools for talking about such topics as bullying, friendship, family, self-esteem, empowerment, forgiveness, and kindness.
The two apps are electronic versions of the books and are totally free on DrewsBooks.com. I've also donated 255 books to schools, libraries, and national children's programs. The combined books have had 8,000 downloads and the apps have been downloaded in 76 countries. This has all been done by word of mouth. We haven't spent a time on PR or advertising. The word keeps getting out, however. One of my friends' mothers, for example, had a connection with KVCR. The producer loved the books and interviewed Brandon and me for a piece on anti-bullying.
The Girl Scout Troop Lear's at Palmer School all gave me wonderful support at every step of the project, but they allowed me to enjoy the freedom to do what I wanted to do. I've remained a dedicated Girl Scout since those early days, though some of met fellow scouts have moved to other schools, priorities have changed, and other activities have diverted them away from the troop so that now only five of us remain. Three of us have been there since we were Daisies. My wonderful mother, Jacquie, has been the Troop Leader almost as long as I've been a scout. She's been with me every step of the way through the amazing journey I'm on. I love her! I'm proud of her! She's one of my heroes. My father, Charles, has been the best Girl Scout dad it is possible to imagine. He was our taxi driver, the cook at our slumber parties, and supervisor when we needed supervision. He has supported me in every way possible.
My Other Story
When I was four years old, my Mom took me to a birthday part at Walnut Creek's Civic Park. While we were having fun, we could see a homeless family hanging about the park. When we were packing up to leave, the host mom thoughtfully packed cup the leftovers and gave it to the unfortunate family. Something about that generous act and the gratitude expressed by the family set something burning in my spirit. My own birthday was a month later and when I got home I shared with my mom what seemed to me to be a thrilling idea. I told her to notify all my friends and tell them not to bring me any birthday presents but, instead, to bring peanut butter and jelly so we could make a big stack of sandwiches to take to the homeless family.
Mom explained to me that the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would be gross and slimy after a couple of days, so we settled on canned goods. When the other kids heard about the idea, they were excited too. Some of them got creative and brought a whole meal, with some soup or other kind of main dish together with vegetables, fruit, sodas, and something sweet for dessert. Others brought boxes of their favorite breakfast cereal. Mom explained that the homeless family was no longer at the park so we donated the whole thing to the local food bank.
Mom told me years later that she had been thrilled by my generous act and by the very fact that I would have come up with such an unselfish plan. Some of Mom's friends complimented her on my act but assured her that the food bank party would be a one-time ting. I guess they figured that another Barbie doll or inline skates would quickly become more important in my eyes than giving cans of corn to the homeless. However, they had no idea how much joy I got from seeing that homeless family getting some food to eat, nor could they imagine my sense of satisfaction at watching that truck drive away, filled with food that would keep homeless families from going to bed hungry.
So a year later, when my six-year-old birthday rolled around, I had not a moment of indecision about what kind of party I would have and encouraged my friends to not bring me any presents but to bring even more food than they had the year before. I imagine she of my mom's friends thought two years would be my limit but three months ago, on September 26, I turned 14 and for the tenth time my friends came to my party bearing bags, boxes, and crates of food items for the homeless. I can't remember my third birthday so I can't remember even not doing a personal food drive for my birthday. All of my friends are older, of course, and have some disposable income with the result that we collect so much food it takes two vehicles to haul it to the food bank -- nearly 400 pounds of all the non-perishable food items you could imagine. I learned a few years ago how fortunate it is that I have a September birthday because it is the beginning of the holiday season, which represents a huge increase in demand for the food that the Food Bank disburses.
Once a year seemed too infrequent a cycle for helping the homeless, so we also conducted mini-food drives at various girl Scout events at Palmer School where I attended from kindergarten through the eighth grade. My food drive birthdays have demonstrated a pay-it-forward power because parents have told my Mom that their children are asking for "experienced" - by which they mean lightly used - clothes and toys for their birthday to give to the disadvantaged children, rather than receiving traditional birthday presents.
During my freshman year in high school, a teacher assigned us to write an essay about something we experienced in our lives, so I wrote about my birthday projects for the homeless. The teacher expressed surprise at my story, "I never knew a child who wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for their birthday," she said. I was surprised at her surprise because I never imaged there was anything special about my experience.
I am currently in the 9th grade at Athenian School in Danville. It is a wonderful school. I intend to go to college and major in a medical field. Whatever I do, I want to do something to make the world a better place and especially to serve my community in any way I can. I've learned that I have gifts for helping others; I intend to not let those gifts sit idle but to put them into service for others.
Two Clayton scouts earn Gold Awards with innovative projects
Combating bullying
Justine Del Monte, a 14-year-old resident of Clayton, combined her love of reading, writing and fighting bullying into a unique project that earned the Athenian School ninth grader the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. It started when Justine wrote the book, “Drew’s Dancing Drum” at age 11 as a class project while attending Palmer School. Artist Brandon Chappell, volunteered to illustrate the book and then created a children’s interactive app. The app is available in three languages: English, Spanish and Mandarin. Fans of the first book inquired about a second book, which inspired Justine at age 12 to write, “Drew Meets Boo.” Brandon volunteered again to illustrate the second book and created a children’s interactive app for the book that is available in three languages as well. The first app for “Drew’s Dancing Drum” is free – the second App for “Drew Meets Boo” is $1.99 and all the money goes to charity — food banks, Girl Scouts, an Autistic Children’s Program and an orphanage in Nicaragua. Justine’s Gold Award consists of Drew’s Books, The apps, and discussion points. The discussion points she wrote to assist educators and parents to create dialogue with the children when addressing bullying, acceptance, friendship, self-esteem, kindness, empowerment, and other life lessons with their children. She feels these issues should be taught and discussed when the children are young instead of waiting until middle school and high school, because the behaviors seem to escalate into more violent and devastating forms of bullying. Justine’s Gold Award Project is unique because most children’s books do not come with an interactive app and discussion points — tools that can be used to teach children about bullying. The books teach anti-bullying in a fun and subtle way with rhymes because children love rhymes, Justine says. Justine has donated 255 books to schools, religious children’s programs, children’s camps and libraries nationally. The discussion points can be downloaded for free at Drewsbooks.com. The apps have been downloaded in 76 countries. Her work has not gone unnoticed by the national media. Justine and Brandon have been interviewed by KVCR in Los Angeles and also were taped reading the two books for a short story time for KVCR’s televised children’s programming. KVCR has committed to run their interview every year for National Bulling Prevention Month. Justine has been a Girl Scout for 10 years. She has earned her Bronze and Silver Awards as well. She started at age 4 as a Daisy. Read Full Article Here >> |
Contra Costa Times -December 12, 2014
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The Social Butterfly -The Paper
11-Year Old Girl Wrote and Published Book on "Bullying"
As part of a Girl Scout project, Justine Danielle Del Monte knew that she had to do something about bullying, so she wrote a book called "Drew's Dancing Drum," a story about a young boy who happily plays a drum until one day he is bullied by a classmate. The story has a happy ending. Justine's book was published and she donated 30 books to Palomar District, California Federation of Women's Clubs, absorbing the cost of $15 a book.
Justine's aunt, Rita Christie of Escondido, suggested that the women's clubs in North County could help awareness of 'bullying' by distributing books to local schools. They were advised to donate a book to a school or group of their choice. The clubs did that, including the Inland Valley Club which donated a book to a local middle school library and several books to a camp for children with AIDS.
Then at age 12, Justine wrote another book "Drew Meets Boo" which is awaiting copyright before that book comes out. Now, at age 13, as an 8th grader at Palmer School, she has just won an Award, presented to one 8th grader each year, for Excellence in Leadership in Athletics.
Justine's aunt, Rita Christie of Escondido, suggested that the women's clubs in North County could help awareness of 'bullying' by distributing books to local schools. They were advised to donate a book to a school or group of their choice. The clubs did that, including the Inland Valley Club which donated a book to a local middle school library and several books to a camp for children with AIDS.
Then at age 12, Justine wrote another book "Drew Meets Boo" which is awaiting copyright before that book comes out. Now, at age 13, as an 8th grader at Palmer School, she has just won an Award, presented to one 8th grader each year, for Excellence in Leadership in Athletics.
