Incredible Kids
by j. poet
Teenagers Kyle and Brady Baldwin finish acting out the Virginia Lee Burton story Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel in the children’s reading room at the Fairfield (Calif.) Cordelia Library. “And now,” Brady asks with a smile, “who would like a free book?”
A happy chaos erupts as kids rush toward Kyle, 17, and Brady, 15, who hand each child a new book. “Can I keep this?” one kid asks. “Can I take it home with me?” another inquires.
The elated children clutch the books to their chests or hold them up high for their parents to see.
This is precisely the reaction the Baldwin brothers hoped for when they founded their nonprofit organization, My Own Book, in the summer of 2006 to spread the joy of reading by giving away books to less fortunate children.
It all began when Kyle participated in a 4-H project to build bookshelves for the library. “In the process of organizing the project I realized literacy was an issue in our community,” Kyle says. “When I was told some kids grow up never owning a book, I was shocked.”
So Kyle and Brady—both Eagle Scouts—set out to do something about it. They contacted local businesses and libraries, book publishers, bookstores and supportive individuals, asking them to donate books and money.
The brothers also created a website, www.myownbook.net, organized literacy days and book readings at libraries and local elementary schools, and networked with other local literacy projects to find grant-providing organizations that could fund their cause.
“They’re remarkably well organized for young men,” says William Finlinson, 62, their scoutmaster at California’s Solano District chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. “They have both earned every (121) merit badge possible, the only brothers in the country to have ever managed the feat and also the youngest. They have an intense desire to improve the community. They collect eyeglasses that are then recycled to other countries and work with the rangers at Rockville Park to make it a better place for people to visit and a better habitat for wildlife.”
Sally Baldwin, 45, the boys’ mother, is proud of her sons. “(My husband and I) support them and offer suggestions, but they do all the work themselves,” she says. “Besides, the adults in this house don’t know the first thing about websites or funding grants.”
The mission of My Own Book is one that the brothers both personally believe in. “I have about a billion books,” Kyle says. “We’d rather read than play video games.”
Last year, the Baldwin brothers received the Dale Earnhardt Legend Leadership Award, which included a $7,000 grant, given to individuals who make a worthy contribution to their community, and a $500 Youth Leaders for Literacy grant from the National Education Association.
But if funds run low, the brothers reach into their own pockets. “We use our own money,” says Brady, who has a business with his brother selling homemade wreaths as well as eggs from chickens they raise.
The brothers have plans to take the My Own Book program nationwide. “Through the website we’ve helped set up chapters in New York, New Jersey and other states,” Kyle says.
Barbara Mallon, coordinator of the Gifted and Talented Education programs in the West Contra Costa School District, says the Baldwin brothers have had a powerful and positive influence on Fairfield. “My Own Book has had ripple effects: the child who brought home the book (may have) inspired mom and dad to take literacy courses; the child who didn’t know he or she loved to read, because the opportunity was never presented. Kyle and Brady have distributed 10,000 books and work tirelessly. Our community will never be the same.”
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Story by j. poet of San Francisco.
first appeared: 7/6/2008
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7/6/08 11:49 AM
This a great story about these two young men ... and certain hints in the story suggest that they have a great range of interest and ability. I'd like to hear about them again when they are older!
Why have I not read about them in Boys Life, or in Scouting magazine? They deserve wider play in the national Scouting community.
They are the reason why I remain involved in Scouting, even though my own kids are over 21 now. If I could just hold up a copy of these magazines and say "now, wouldn't this be a great project," or, "with your support, your Scout, too, can aspire to do great things, before he turns 18."
7/9/08 10:10 AM
I think that these are 2 very special young men - I thankful that they are giving their time and energy with others less fortunate. Just wish there were more like them and this world would be a better place. Best of luck to both and may God Bless.
7/9/08 11:02 AM
Thank you so much for giving these two wonderful young men, Kyle and Brady Baldwin national recognition. (The funniest part is that I had just put together some articles and was about to mail them to you to ask your magazine to recognize them!)
My husband and I came to know Kyle and Brady when the Lions eyeglass warehouse in Vallejo, CA burned down. Our phone number was listed in the paper as the one to call to have glasses picked up.
Kyle and Brady called and offered to help. They have collected well over a 1000 pair of used eye glasses and brought them to the Fairfield Host Lions club for the "SightFirst" project where eye glasses are taken to developing nations.
They did this before either could drive so their wonderful mother, Sally supported their efforts by driving them all over.
Best of all, a friendship was formed, and Kyle and Brady became so dear to us. We discovered two of the most generous, enterprising and self motivated young men. Most of all they are kind and thoughtful.
Kyle and Brady once sent me a corsage to wear to a special Lions Club affair that coincided with our 49th wedding anniversary.
When my husband died I asked Kyle and Brady, and my Eagle Scout grandson to carry in the flags for my husband's funeral. No one had ever done that before.
Sometimes when we look around and see so many youth in trouble it is refreshing to know that there are leaders for tomorrow, and Kyle and Brady Baldwin will be among them.
Thank you, American Profile for your continued support of "goodness" in America.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Penning
7/9/08 4:18 PM
I am the Park Ranger who worked with both the boys at Rockville Park on various projects, which improved the visitors experience but more importantly wildife habitat. I have never met a more amazing pair of young adults than Kyle and Brady. I am always proud to show off their projects in the Park and to let people know that 2 young men of our community made them possible. I always refer to them as "my boys" and was very proud to see that they were recognized in this magazine and that others would have the opportunity to "meet" them and to see what they have done for others in the community. I have 3 children of my own I am raising and I hope that I can instill the same sort of ethics and value in community that these two young men have. Their parents did an amazing job in giving themthe skills and the encouragement they need to become amazing human beings. Ranger Teri
7/9/08 9:24 PM
My mother and I recently read this article in our local newspaper and were glad to see young people working on such a noble project as literacy. Kids today need to know the basics of reading at an early age. While there are many various groups and organizations working towards this noble goal we should commend these brothers for their efforts.
7/11/08 8:47 AM
This story begs the question; how were these young men raised that would encourage the character and motivation they have? What is their faith? Where did they go to school? What did their parents do that might explain not just their accomplishments, but their attitudes? It's nature and nurture. What is the nurture story?
I would like to have seen some more about this in the article, but hope that those who know these guys will answer. Kyle and Brady, please tell us!
Thanks for doing such a positive story, American Profile!
7/20/08 3:05 PM
I am proud to say that I am related to these two incredible kids. I have know all along that they were indeed incredible. My only regret is that due to distance, we have not been able to get to know them as well as I would have liked. We are very proud of their past accomplishments and know that they will continue to make a positive difference wherever they are and in whatever they undertake. Best wishes to both of them, I hope that our journeys will cross soon. Congratulations to the parents for having been such good parents, providing the positive role model, and setting such high standards.
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