'Star Wars' out in front of child literacy effort Saturday

MODESTO -- May "The Force" be with all young readers this weekend. Lucasfilm and a number of publishing houses are joining forces to promote literacy for children.

On Saturday, 1,200 libraries, bookstores and schools across the country will have trivia contests, raffles, author signings and several "Star Wars"-related activities. In Modesto, the event begins at 6 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble store, 3501 McHenry Ave.

"Star Wars," of course, is Modesto native George Lucas' creation of a galaxy "far, far away." "Star Wars" has spread from the films to comics, novels, novelizations, graphic novels, trading cards and books for children beginning to read.