Seattle students contribute to new advice book for Obama

Give everybody, the homeless included, $10 a day.

Stop the Iraq war and use the money to help schoolkids and those who have lost their jobs.

Be yourself.

President Obama (did I really just type that?) is getting plenty of advice from big brains and super schmoozers these days. Poor guy.

But some of the purest, most selfless suggestions will come tucked in the pages of "Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters to President Obama." The book is being published this week by 826, the nonprofit writing and tutoring center started by author Dave Eggers.

The program was started in San Francisco, and has spread to seven cities across the country, including Seattle, where 826 is housed in a Greenwood storefront. (Truth squad: I was a volunteer tutor last year. One of the best times of my life).

Fourteen of the letters included in the book were written by Seattle students, who jumped at the chance, said executive director Teri Hein.

"Most of them have been raised in a world where things have been looking pretty grim for a long time," Hein said. "And all of a sudden they are living in an environment of hope, despite the lousy economy and everything else.

"That's a pretty powerful feeling."

Olivia Roper-Caldbeck, 12, being raised by a liberal mother and a conservative father, wrote Obama of the change he has already made in her home.

"Before you, never had they agreed on much to do with politics," she wrote. "Thank you for bringing my parents somewhat closer together."

Brothers David and Daniel Gonzalez, 9 and 12, each told Obama about their Cuban heritage — and their dog, a Siberian husky who was stolen.

"I hope you can help with the crime problem and the violence that there is in my neighborhood," wrote Daniel, 12. "I live on Rainier Avenue and there are many crimes, like shooting and a lot of stealing."

Does David, 9, think Obama might see his letter and help?

"Yeah," he said. "You can tell from his face that he is a very nice person."

Avante Price, 7, wrote of seeing himself in Obama's face.

"You are just like a big me," Price wrote. "Because I am from Chicago, and I am biracial and have curly hair."

Price's advice: "Be yourself and you will change the world."

Ribika Hailemariam, 17, an Ethiopian immigrant, offered this advice for making a new transition.

"It really took my effort and open-mindedness for me to adapt to this new country/city," he wrote. "Now that you have moved into the White House, it might take you a while to get used to the environment and maybe feel at home and welcomed. It ... is normal to experience different and mixed feelings."

826 Seattle is hosting an informal book-release party from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. (For more information, go to www.826seattle.org.)

Hein is hoping that somehow, a copy of "Thanks" finds its way around the big brains and super schmoozers.

"That's where the hope comes from," Hein said. "That he is the kind of guy who would get that book in the mail, and then sit there in the Oval Office, cracking up."

Nicole Brodeur's column appears Tuesday and Friday. Reach her at 206-464-2334 or nbrodeur@seattletimes.com.

The School of Rock should send a CD.