A while back I read an article by the North Carolina Library Advocacy about a young student and why she loves the library. The article shared this quote,

“First you learn to read, and then you read to learn.”

That statement really stuck with me. I wanted to meet this kid who has such profound thoughts, and find out what she meant by that.

 

Meet Adrianna

The Interview

Q: How old are you? What grade will you be in when school starts?
A: I am 11 years old. When school starts I will be the sixth grade.
Do y’all remember when you were 11? I do. I was very awkward, had big feet, and had a terrible haircut. I loved hanging out with my friends, and had just joined a swim team. I thought I was a superstar and planned on competing in the 1988 Olympics. I think my favorite book was Strawberry Girl. 

Q: I read a quote from you in an article. “First you learn to read, and then you read to learn.” What did you mean by that?
A: When I said that I meant that once you have learned to read you can learn anything! The possibilities are endless! This girl is wise beyond her years.

Q: How many books have you read this summer?
A: This summer I have read about 25 books. She has me beat! I am on book #3.

Q: What are some of your favorite titles from your summer reads?
A: (here are links to the books Adrianna listed)
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Left Behind: The Kids (series) I have read a few books from the Left Behind grown up series, and they are actually pretty good. 
The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide, Book 6

Q: Do you have a favorite genre?
A: My favorite genre is probably fiction because I can imagine things that can’t happen in real life.

Q: Where is your favorite spot to read a book?
A: My beanbag- it is the comfiest chair in the house!

Q: Bookstore vs Library. What is your preference?
A: I prefer the library because you can pick out as many books as you want for free.

Tell me a little bit about what reading looks like at your house…

Q: Who is reading?
A: Usually mom or dad unless we want to read by ourselves.

Q: Do y’all read alone or together?
A: We usually read together.

Q: What is everyone reading?
A: Honestly everything!

Q: Do you ever see Mom and Dad reading their own stuff?
A: My mom listens to audio books and reads stuff for school. My dad reads the news paper.

Q: Where does everyone like to read?
A: We like to be comfy when we read so we normally read on a bed or couch.

Q: Where are the books in your house?
A: We have four different book shelves in our house, there is one in each of us kids’ rooms.

Q: If you could recommend one book for kids your age to read this summer, what would it be?
A: I would recommend the book The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. It is the first book of a great series and an epic adventure.

Q: If you could recommend one book for parents to read aloud to their kids, what would that be?
A: I would recommend that parents read The Bible to their kids. It is the best book of them all! Could she be any more precious? If you don’t have a Bible, and would like to read it with your family, here is a link to The Bible Store at Lifeway.com. You can even download the Bible for free onto your phone or tablet. Check out the YouVersion Bible app. 

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: When I grow up I want to be a pastry chef. I love to bake. I do it so much that sometimes I drive my mom crazy (because I take over the kitchen for hours)! Anyone hungry for cupcakes all of a sudden?

Q: Why do you love reading?
A: I just do…. As long as I can remember I have had a passion for reading. When I was little at story time I would bring my mom more than 10 books each night. Over time I continued reading as much as I could. And now look how far it has gotten me! I am in AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) Reading, I have learned many things from reading so much, and I got 2nd place in the spelling bee this past year! Way to go Adrianna!

Some things I learned from my interview with Adrianna:

• Reading is an activity the whole family can do together.
• Reading is a fun and free activity for the summer.
• Reading books is good for your brain.
• Start reading with your kids when they are very young. And read with them often!

Adrianna, I think you are a super cool and super wise girl! Thank you for letting us get to know you, and thank you for helping me to inspire some reading families!

Fun Stuff To Do Now

Let’s be a pastry chef!

Here is a Simple Vanilla Cupcakes recipe from Genius Kitchen. The website also has some photos to go along with the recipe. If you make some cupcakes, post a picture in the comments below!

Let’s Read!

Gather the whole family, grab some pillows and blankets and your favorite stuffed animal friends, and go snuggle on the couch.

Choose a book to read together, or follow along with me as I read “Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes.”