Online chat with ?Chill' author & Reading Rainbow creator offers advice for motivating kids to read

July 12, 2004, Washington, D.C. – What's cool in teen reading and why? That's the topic of a July 21 online chat aimed at encouraging more tweens and teens to read. Research shows this hard-to-reach age group is falling behind in reading skills. And a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a dramatic decrease in literary reading over the past 20 years by America's youngest citizens.

In the latest edition of Connect for Kids' TalkTime Live! series, parents and students will receive plenty of inspiration to read from 23-year-old Ned Vizzini, a twice-published author. His first book, Teen Angst? Naaah…, is based on a compilation of clips from his New York Press column. The Weitz brothers, of American Pie fame, recently optioned Vizzini's most recent novel, Be More Chill, for film. Vizzini will be joined by special guest expert Dr. Twila Liggett, creator and executive producer of PBS-TV's popular "Reading Rainbow" show, to provide insights into what it takes to coax tweens and teens to pick up a book and read this summer and heading into the new school year.

TalkTime Live! is a bimonthly online discussion series where expert panelists, concerned parents, educators, advocates and policymakers can openly discuss and ask questions about various issues concerning kids. Previous TalkTime Live! topics have included media tips for nonprofits, finding funding for nonprofits, and recruiting and retaining foster parents.

What: TalkTime Live! online discussion – Books for Tweens & Teens: What's Cool and Why?

Who: Ned Vizzini, author of Teen Angst? Naaah… and Be More Chill

Dr. Twila Liggett, creator of television's "Reading Rainbow"

Robert Capriccioso, Writer/Reporter, Connect for Kids

When: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Where: http://www.connectforkids.org

Participants may send questions for the chat ahead of time. To send questions or obtain additional information about Connect for Kids or TalkTime Live! please e-mail Robert Capriccioso at rob@connectforkids.org.Transcripts of online discussions are also available at http://www.connectforkids.org

Connect for Kids makes the best use of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, to give adults – parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others – the tools and information they need to improve the lives of children, youth and families. The Connect for Kids Web site covers more than 30 topics ranging from arts to youth development, foster care to adoption, and welfare reform to oral health.