Snowballs for Severance – The Terrifically True Story of Dane Best and the Snowball Ban, by Richie Frieman
I recently spoke with author and illustrator Richie Frieman, who told me the fascinating story of Dane Best, and why he wrote a book about him.
On a school field trip to town hall, nine-year old Severance, Colorado resident Dane Best listened to the mayor speak about the city and local laws. One of the laws, included: Severance Town Law Chapter 10, Article 5, Section 80:
It is unlawful for any person to throw or shoot any stone or any other missile upon or at any person, animal, building, tree, or other public or private property; or at or against any vehicle or equipment designed for the transportation of persons or property.
That meant no snowballs, because snowballs were considered projectiles. Immediately Dane questioned this law, saying, “The mayor told us about crazy laws including the one forbidding snowball throwing. I wanted to do something about it.”
According to Dane, snowball fights are a major part of being a kid. After sharing his thoughts with his parents, he was encouraged to write letters to town hall and gather his elementary school friends to do the same. He was smart enough to say that he understood the other laws but he just wanted the snowball one removed. With snow falling five months per year in Colorado, Dane knew he had to take this risk to make a change.
He prepared a speech to present the Severance Trustees all by himself, and then practiced it over and over until he felt confident. Dane dressed professionally, and stood up before the trustees to explain that kids need good reasons to get outdoors, which promotes health and well-being, and that snowball throwing should be all part of the fun of being outside.
After his speech, the trustees voted to unanimously remove the snowball ban.
Richie Frieman met Dane and his family, and decided to tell his story in Snowballs for Severance.
“Once I had approval to write Dane’s story, I jumped on it because it took a nine-year old boy who faced adults to overturn a 100-year old law, which in itself is astonishing,” said Frieman. “That should be celebrated. When children discover they are good at something, it resonates across the board. It doesn’t matter your age or background. Dane’s actions empower and inspire other kids to make changes without necessarily waiting until they’re adults to do so.”
Frieman’s book is graphic novel meets picture book, and tells Dane’s story in a positive and energetic way. Through hard work, Dane become a role model in his community. The book is a true-life story of what can happen when someone decides to stand up for what they believe.
For more information about Richie Frieman, go to: www.RichieFrieman.com and to order his book, visit: Snowballs for Severance.
