A Passion for Reading

Wanting to promote summer reading among students, NBC's Al Roker started his own book club, with help from Scholastic and “The Today Show.” They asked fourth- and fifth-grade teachers in the metropolitan area to recommend students with a passion for reading and a personality to match.

Amy Carman, a fourth-grade teacher at Osborn School recommended Sarah Jautz. Sarah, 9, made the cut, and is now one of six members of Al's Book Club.

The first book discussed was “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick, a young adult mystery, set in the 1930s, about an orphan who lives in a Paris train station. “The Today Show” filmed the club's first meeting at Grand Central Station and the children were then invited to the TV studio to ask the author questions. Sarah, right, asked Mr. Selznick, left, which character in the novel he most identified with. To find out his answer, visit http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18738935.

The next book up for discussion is “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, a modern adventure involving Greek gods and heroes. The show will air June 15.