The room is dark, the light is on, and my book is open.
“Okay Mylee, time for bed, read 20 minutes of your book please,” my parents have been saying to me every night since second grade. There I am, in my room getting ready for bed, I have my nightlight on, and I am opening my book. Before you know it, I am asleep with my book still open just a few more chapters in.
During elementary school, I was not the best at reading, in and out of the counselor’s office trying to improve my reading, then also reading before bed every night. I have always been into fiction and comic books; I liked looking at the pictures so much I did not really get to imagine the scene. Once I hit fifth grade, my stepmom started to give me chapter fiction books because I was too busy looking at the pictures, I never usually thought of the contact or settings of a book like I do when reading chapter books. I never used to like reading but if I wanted to do anything like play video games with my sister, go somewhere, or watch TV, I had to at least read a few chapters of my book first.
I went from “Can I be done reading” to “Can I read for a little longer, please?” I did not like reading when I was younger, I thought it was boring and a punishment but over the years I have started to understand the concept of reading; it improves memory processing, increases relaxation, and even has benefits on mental health. Reading books or reading in general expands your knowledge, boosts creativity, and improves communication skills.
I am really into fiction books but right now I am into a book called ‘The Sharp Edge of Silence.’
“Yeah, it gives me something to do, and I don’t like being on my phone 24/7.” Jamia Wilson said. If you are thinking you do not have time to pick up a book, consider instead scrolling on your phone util you fall asleep, putting your phone down and trying to read a book. If you are not sure where you can get a book, Des Moines has two available libraries.
Reading is not something you always have to do alone; it can connect you to family or even friends. And it is not only me reading in the house, but my sister Daisy is the biggest book worm I know. Past few months I have been showing her my favorite chapter books and me and her have the same interests, so it is not hard getting her into a book.
