Students challenged to read a million words

LOS ANGELES The /*Million Word Challenge*/ is a literacy initiative that challenges Los Angeles County students, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, to read millions of words when they are not in school and develop a lifelong love of reading.

As part of the challenge, students will track books they read when they are away from school.

In May 2010, each Million Word Challenge school will select one student winner. Each will receive a $50 gift certificate to purchase books at /*Feria Del Libro*/, a family book fair scheduled for June 5, 2010, at Los Angeles City Hall.

The campaign kicked off Thursday morning at /*Gratts Elementary School*/, where community leaders urged students to get reading.