The benefits of reading to our kids has been proven time and time again through various research studies. Not only does it help little ones recognize the alphabet earlier in life, but it also aids when learning to count and even writing one's own name.

Despite the science to back up the benefits of reading, the Reading is Fundamental Literacy Network reports that 34 percent of kids entering kindergarten don't arrive with the basic skills to learn how to read. From there, the education prognosis doesn't get much better. They also cite that 63 percent of fourth graders read below grade level, which they attribute to 8,000 students choosing to become high school dropouts every day.

Barnes & Noble is trying to put the fun back into the fundamentals of reading with their second Nationwide Kids' Book Hangout, returning to stores on October 20.

The goal of the event is to attract young readers from first through sixth grade and get them talking about books through games and activities. Last year the hangout drew more than 10,000 kiddos to Barnes & Noble locations around the country.

This year the event will focus on five super popular kids' titles including The Cardboard Kingdom, by Chad Sell, 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior, by Mark Siegel and Alexis Siegel, The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond, by Max Brallier, Squirm, by Carl Hiaasen, and Monstrous Devices, by Damien Love.

The selections cover a wide range of interests, from adventure to tales of good, old-fashioned friendship, meaning there's a little something to appeal to everyone.

Don't expect to find a group of quiet kids with their noses buried in books -- the hangout is meant to be an interactive experience that makes reading more of a social affair. There will also be giveaways of book-related swag like exclusive bookmarks, collectible pins, and advance copies of highly-anticipated books (of course this is while supplies last, so get there early).

Festivities kick off at 2 PM on October 20 at B&N locations nationwide, but you may want to contact your closet locale just to make sure an RSVP isn't required and that it's all systems go. After all, no one wants an angry bookworm on their hands.

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