Step into a world where reading is celebrated, inspired by insights from "100 Reasons to Love Reading". Our blog highlights the 5 best things about reading, perfect for everyone from bookworms to those just starting their reading journey. Discover the magic of escaping into different worlds, the joy of learning new things, the peace from a good book, and how stories can help us better understand others. Enjoy the fun stories offer, improve your word skills, connect with cultures across the globe, and feel proud of your reading achievements. Let's explore together how reading can change your life, with help from the wisdom of Scholastic's authors.
Reason #1 Reading gives you the power to understand
K.A. Applegate highlights the transformative power of reading, emphasizing its ability to deepen our understanding of others, our environments, and ourselves, including our emotions and aspirations. Reading helps us grasp the complexities of the past, present, and future and empowers us to enact change in the world. According to Applegate, by immersing ourselves in stories, we engage our imagination, empathy, and participation, which can ultimately contribute to positive global change.
Watching movies or TV is easy; you can just sit back and relax. But reading a book makes you a part of the story. You bring the characters and world to life. Every time you read, you learn and grow, which not only changes you but can also change the world around you. A book comes alive because of you, the reader. "Books need you" -K.A. Applegate
Reason #2 Reading opens your mind
David Baldacci talks about growing up where people were divided by race even though laws tried to change that. He saw a lot of prejudice around him, but reading books helped him see people differently. Books showed him that people, no matter how different they seem, are all human at heart. He learned that reading makes people more understanding, curious, and ready to change their views. It's like traveling without moving, seeing the world through the eyes of others. Baldacci believes that reading made him a better person, and it's something anyone can do to grow and understand the world better.
Reason #3 Reading works whenever you get to it.
Coe Booth's journey from not seeing herself in books to becoming an author highlights the importance of reading. Her story shows how finding relatable characters can spark a love for reading, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of belonging. Booth's transition to writing books that resonate with underrepresented kids emphasizes the power of diverse stories in connecting people and nurturing empathy. Essentially, her experience underlines that reading is more than just a skill—it's a vital tool for personal growth and building a more inclusive society.
Reason #4 Reading can introduce you to people you need in your life
Kacen Callendar felt very alone when they were young because they didn't fit in at school and didn't have any real friends. However, they found comfort in reading books and connecting with the characters in the stories. These characters became like friends to them, teaching Kacen about empathy and helping them accept their identity as queer and trans.
A special memory for Kacen was listening to their mother read books to them at night, especially loving the "Animorphs" series. This series was important because it featured Cassie, a smart and kind Black girl, making Kacen feel seen and valued.
Now, as a writer, Kacen wants to create characters that can be friends to readers who feel like they don’t fit in, just like the characters did for them. This way, they hope to pass on the love and acceptance they felt from reading.
Reason #5 Reading is a shared journey
Bruce Coville shares his experiences to show how reading together can connect people. It all started when his dad, who wasn't known for reading, surprised him by reading a book called "Tom Swift in the City of Gold." This experience, though not with a remarkable book, was special because of the time with his dad. Years later, Bruce found himself reading "The Hobbit" to his son, turning the story into a cherished adventure they embarked on together. Later, during a long car trip with his teenage daughter, audiobooks became the medium for creating lasting memories. Through these personal stories, Coville highlights that reading, often seen as a solitary activity, is also a powerful way to bond with others, whether family or friends, making it a shared journey that can deepen relationships and create enduring memories.
Together, these authors reinforce the multifaceted benefits of reading, from fostering personal growth and empathy to strengthening bonds and celebrating our shared humanity through the timeless act of storytelling.