Usher launches reading drive

R&B star Usher has teamed up with a children's book publisher to launch a new reading initiative for youngsters.

The Yeah hitmaker has collaborated with bosses at publishing house Scholastic on the Open a World of Possible initiative, which encourages kids to embrace the joy of reading.

Usher will hold a live webcast from the company's headquarters in New York on 6 November (14) to urge others to talk about their book habits.

He says, "I established New Look, a charitable organisation to assist young people to become leaders and to instil in them a belief that they can create change in their communities and around the world.

"I'm excited to host the webcast with Scholastic to demonstrate to kids how reading frequently, and being a reading mentor to their friends and others in their community, can open doors to endless possibilities."

Officials at the publishing company will also donate 100,000 books to charities and non-profit organisations as part of the drive.