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MichiganReads.com Returns

The Michigan Reads Program, a joint effort between the Michigan Education Association, the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings, is back for a new season. Following a successful first season where students read more than 23,000 books, MEA is excited to launch a new year of the popular reading program. 

For the 2010-11 school year, Michigan Reads again aims to encourage students to read five great books and, in the process, get free tickets and other prizes from the Detroit Pistons or Detroit Red Wings.

The program is simple.  Working with either an educator or parent, students need to read five age appropriate books between now and April 1.  Once that parent or educator confirms the books have been read, they go to www.michiganreads.com to select the Pistons or Red Wings, enter contact information and the list of books read by the student.  Within a few days, the team will respond with the student's reward.  That's all there is to it -- just read five books and see the Pistons or Red Wings live.

 "While we realize that reading great books is its own reward, we also know that sometimes students need a little incentive to read amid the daily options and distractions of television, video games and the Internet," said MEA President Iris K. Salters.  "We're excited to have the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings join with us to encourage our students to read."

For every five books a student reads and logs into the Michigan Reads Web site, the Detroit Pistons are offering a free ticket and the ability to purchase an accompanying home game ticket at half price. 

"Our entire organization is committed to encouraging young people to read more," said Alan Ostfield, president and CEO, Palace Sports and Entertainment.  "Our players and staff all have contributed in one way or another to promoting reading enrichment and encouragement programs throughout the state for many years.  Partnering with MEA on Michigan Reads was a natural choice for us," he said.

For every five books a student reads and logs into the Michigan Reads website, the Detroit Red Wings are offering a free ticket and the ability to purchase accompanying specially priced tickets to Wings home games. 

Said Steve Violetta, Red Wings senior vice president of business affairs: "The Red Wings recognize the importance of strong reading skills, both as a child and throughout an entire life."

Throughout the season, the teams will randomly draw for great bonus prizes such as luxury suites, on court or on-ice opportunities, signed memorabilia, team merchandise and more. 

Visit www.michiganreads.com for more information or to learn how to participate.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.

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