Read Kiddo Read

For as long as I can remember, books have held a place of great importance in my life. From the nightly bedtime books read to me by my parents, to the Nancy Drew books I read as an independent reader, to the first time of many times reading Jane Eyre and being told by my 8th grade English teacher that my writing was "very Victorian," to discovering Jane Austen, to uncovering obscure 18th Century novels-the books I have read chronicle my growth not only as a student of literature, but as a child growing up.

It was never a problem for me to find another captivating book to read, but today, in such a fast-moving world, it's hard for kids to settle down enough to find something that draws them in. Author James Patterson has taken this problem and provided a solution. ReadKiddoRead provides parents, teachers, and librarians a place to go to find truly great books, books that will have kids asking for me, instilling in them a love of reading that goes beyond iPods and texting. Separated by age category, you can easily navigate the website to quickly find some book titles when you're on your way out the door to the library.

My son does not want for books…while I may stop the "gimmies" when it comes to toys, if he finds a book he wants to buy, he gets it. To me, books are an investment. If he grows up to read anything for pleasure, my job will be done!

Please check out ReadKiddoRead for the little and not so little ones in your life. We have such an important job. Instead of buying those flashcards to make your own kiddos more advanced, just pick up a book and snuggle on the couch reading together.