CHICAGO — One of the nation's most prolific authors is encouraging Chicago sixth graders to spend part of their summer reading.
James Patterson, whose books range from thrillers to engaging stories for youngsters, is donating more than 28,000 books to Chicago Public Schools students, CPS announced Saturday.
Next week, every CPS sixth grader will get a copy of a book from Patterson's Young Readers Collection, which includes the "Middle School," "I Funny" and "Treasure Hunter Series."
"CPS is very grateful to Mr. Patterson for his generous and timely donation. Summer reading is essential for students to stay on track and to keep engaged in learning during the break from school," said CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. "When you give the child the gift of books you are really giving the gift of imagination, creativity, and the building blocks for success in school and life."
Patterson has written 95 books since 1976; one out of every 17 books sold in the country is written by Patterson, eclipsing more noted names like Grisham and Brown.
The recipient of numerous awards for his work, Patterson was given the Chicago Tribune's Young Adult Literary Prize Sunday during the Printer's Row Book Fair.
"It’s my nature to try to give back, and what better gift to give than books," Patterson said. "Read, children of Chicago, read."
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