In Praise of 'Stupid Reading'

Jon Scieszka, recently named U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, is speaking out about what kids should read. And kids should take heart - Jon says 'stupid reading' is OK. The reading he's talking about is the kind most parents and teachers don't always encourage kids to read - Junie B. Jones, Captain Underpants, etc. The books that will give us a laugh but may not get us into Harvard. But read Mr. Scieszka's thoughts on kids and reading in this article from yesterday's Chicago Tribune. He makes some good points about fitting books into a life full of video games, TV and other media. Don't give up on books - just make time for them. Good advice!