Modeled after a community-wide reading program practiced across the nation, "West Seattle Reads," invites all elementary school age children here to learn how kiting relates to different cultures.

With a grant from the Washington State Secretary of State, longtime West Seattle resident and librarian at Sanislo Elementary School, Maryann Horsley, has partnered with local city libraries and a non-profit for this free, neighborhood-wide program.

Children who participate will receive one of two fiction books that center around kites in Asian societies.

Students will also learn about the various ways kites tie into cultural traditions from elsewhere in the world, Horsley said. She hopes parents of public, private and home-schooled students will be motivated to encourage their children to join.

"It's open to everyone," said Horsley, a teacher for 14 years. "I thought that would be a really fun way to get kids to connect to books."

"The Emperor and the Kite," by Jane Yolen and Ed Young, is the selection aimed at kindergarten-through-third-grade children. It tells the tale of Chinese Princess Djeow Seow's fight to save her father with her skilled kite flying.

"The Kite Fighters," by Linda Sue Park and Eung Won Park, is a chapter book for older students. In the narrative, two Korean brothers learn lessons about family honor through their shared passion for kites.

The Drachen Foundation, a Seattle-based non-profit kite education resource center, has partnered with Horsley for the program and will provide additional curriculum.

While kiting is generally a hobby in the United States, in many cultures, particularly Asia, it is largely imbedded in tradition. It's used as a way for people to connect to their past, helping to define who they are today, said Renea Nielsen, a coordinator at the Drachen Study Center downtown.

For example, during Day of the Dead celebrations in Guatemala, large tissue-paper kites are designed, built and flown as a way for the people to connect with their Mayan ancestors.

The Drachen Foundation funds kite research globally, as well as develops workshops, curriculum, and touring exhibits about the art, science, history, and cultures of kiting

A kick-off event will be held the evening of March 19 at Sanislo, when the Drachen Foundation will display kites from Japan, Cambodia, Guatemala, Korea, China and the Philippines. A presentation on kites from around the world will also reflect the area's diverse population.

A few weeks later the Delridge and Southwest Seattle Public Library branches will host book discussions. Children can pick up the books at those branches.

There are enough books for 550 children, but the books can also be checked out at local libraries, said Horsley.

Kick-off: Wednesday, March 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sanislo Elementary (presentation, book hand-out, kite making sign-up).

Book Discussions: mid-April, dates to be determined (Delridge and Southwest library branches, one at each).

Kite Making: April 27 at Sanislo Elementary.

Contact Maryann at mehorsley@seattleschools.org for more information.

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com