 Both the book-series and the game target young, often reluctant readers in an attempt to encourage them by rewarding them for reading.Haarsma developed a school presentation program in which he discusses "The Softwire" books, astronomy, and other science fiction and science fact topics.He is also one of the co-founders of Kids Need to Read, a United States Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity that purchases books to donate to underfunded schools and libraries.