Ballard sixth grader honored for reading accomplishments

For one kid, reading books wasn't just educational or fun. It also scored him a free breakfast with Mayor Mike McGinn at the Space Needle.

On Aug. 23, Ballard sixth-grader Grant Hanson was honored along with students from 26 other neighborhoods (one each) at Seattle Public Library's "Breakfast of Champions" for all of the summer reading he accomplished.

Grant told the Mayor that he read several larger books over the summer and that reading is relaxing to him. He and the other kids received a T-Shirt and cookies, literally, with their names on it -- so no stealing or "I don't see your name on it!" accusations were to be had.

The program, a reading contest which has existed in some variety since 1919, is for kids up to age 12 and is meant to help prevent summer setback among Seattle's children.

What was for breakfast, you ask? Seasonal berry compote, cinnamon French toast, maple syrup, apple chicken sausage, Danish, muffins, croissants and hot cocoa for the kids.

In other words, it was a breakfast for champions. Congrats Grant!