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James Patterson will give a book to every New York City 6th grader

James Patterson, speaking to Venice High School students in 2012, has announced a gift of 45,000 books to students in NYC.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
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Mega bestselling author James Patterson announced Monday that he will give close to 45,000 books -- one for every sixth grader in the New York City Public School system -- to students before the school year is out.

The idea is to jump-start kids’ reading during the summer.

Students will get one specific book, “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,” written by Patterson and co-author Chris Tebbetts. It’s the first in a five-book series.

In a statement, NYC school Chancellor Carmen Farina said, “Our student’s [sic] academic development does not stop when school ends. We know that in the long-term summer reading is critical in enabling our students to succeed both in an out of the classroom – and this donation will help do just that.”

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Patterson, one of the world’s most successful authors, has repeatedly expressed concern about the health of the literary community and the need to do a better job raising readers.

This is just the latest in a rash of charitable actions taken by Patterson to encourage reading. He has donated 28,000 books to students in Chicago and 4,000 to students in Washington. And since February has given $535,000 in cash grants to independent bookstores nationwide.

Like passing notes in class; I’m @paperhaus on Twitter

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