More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby tells a story about Booker T. Washington and his desire to read when he was younger. As he labors at the saltworks with his father and brother, he wishes he had the ability to read. If he could read, everyone would listen to him as they did to the newspaper man. He was determined to become the "best reader in the county" and teach others to read. He tells his mother about his dream. She supports him and gives him a book. Booker seeks the newspaper man, who helps Booker learn to read.
We are so lucky to have the opportunity to learn to read in school. Reading is not easy for everyone, but it is so critical. For those children who do not enjoy reading, share your reading experiences with them. Tell them about books you enjoyed reading or were read aloud when you were a child. Connecting with children on a reading level can inspire lifelong reading!
