Sarasota kids get 'booked'

There is one passion many kids share -- their love of reading.

"One day I read just one book. The next day I read another book," said 7-year-old Khmarious Phelps, who loves to read until he can't anymore. "Sometimes I just stop and ask my mom if she can fix me a sandwich."

The Sarasota Housing Authority, along with the Sarasota Police Department, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, wanted to make sure reading didn't go by the wayside during summer break.

"I believe the most important thing we can do in life are two things: learn to read and have partnerships and relationships. If you have those two skills and develop them in life you will have it easier as you grown older," said Sarasota Police Captain Kevin Stiff.

Officers helped kids chose two books each and parents sat back with smiles.

"If he could read a menu, a cereal box, the milk jug. Whatever. He is going to read it," said Victoria Phelps.

Khmarious' mom appreciates the time and concern spent on her son and his friends.

"It just shows them that there are other people out there that care about our education do care that our kids make it somewhere. This is our new generation we have to build it on a good foundation," she said.

The kids couldn't be happier to spend their summer with their new books.

"I just love reading," said Khmarious.

Nearly 1,000 books were given out to about 500 kids.