By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Kids across the region are being challenged to hit the books this summer.
State Senator Byron Brown was downtown Thursday with details of the extended "Reading Rules," a program that entices childen to pick up a good book.
During these leisurely days of summer, it's no easy task luring kids away from video games and swimming pools, to get them to read.
But a new summer reading challenge, sponsored by the state and some local organizations, is providing bait.
Children from the YWCA summer camp program were eager to hear how they could cash in with the program that began in July.
About a dozen sponsors have donated a package of prizes for kids who successfully complete the Reading Rules Summer Reading Challenge.
There are passes to the zoo and other attractions, free food and cool kid gear.
But Senator Brown said the idea is for kids to earn more than just goodies.
"It was reported that some of our children in this community did not do well on the state standardized tests," said Brown.
"And that hammered the point home for us that it was really important for our children to be reading.
Although scores were most troubling for fourth and eighth grade Buffalo School children, Brown said the program is designed to help children throughout the region improve reading skills.
But, so far, the response has been poor.
About 40,000 flyers were sent to homes throughout Western New York - so far, 250 children have signed-up.
But the Senator is not discouraged - he says it's an exciting beginning.
"We're going to make this reading challenge an annual program of our senate office, and I think this is a great first start," said Brown.
"We were able to get the message out about the importance fo children reading."
The program has been extended for children who are still interested.
The new deadline for registrations is August 16, with children needing to complete their seven books and brief summaries by September 6.
Sign-ups are available by mail, or phone, through Senator Brown's Buffalo office.