Today all 850 Patch sites nationwide launch their Summer Reading Guides to encourage children of all ages to read.

The Summer Reading Guides launch with a list of recommended books for four age groups.

The guides are a partnership with novelist James Patterson and his ReadKiddoRead project.

Click on the links below to read the first reading lists for each age group:

• Summer Reading Lists for Preschoolers and Kids Ages 2-7
• Summer Reading Lists for Kids Ages 6-9
• Summer Reading Lists for Kids Ages 8-12
• Summer Reading List for Tweens and Teens, 11-up

Help us encourage kids to read. Comment on the articles with your favorite childrens' books, or consider writing a blog about book reviews.