Fostering a passion for reading at Moroles

Finley P. is discovering a love for reading.

“It relaxes me to read,” he said. “My mom and I read before bed every night.” 

A second-grader at Jesus Moroles Expressive Arts Vanguard, Finley was introduced to the world of books at his school’s library. Every month, his class goes to the library to listen to a story read aloud–and handpicked by their eighth-grade buddy. 

Known as the Book Buddy Program, the idea was inspired by Adam Benoit, librarian at Moroles, and Madeline Whitacre, an eighth grade reading teacher. The two wanted to find a way to foster a love of reading while getting more students in the library, and introducing them to all the resources it has to offer. 

“I like it when they make voices for the characters,” she said. 

Rosalia even started incorporating those presentation skills when she reads to her family at home.

“My favorite part about reading is that I can make voices,” she said. “If it’s funny, I use a  funny voice, but if it’s sad, I can use a sad voice.”

Her classmate, Ariana F., said she also likes reading to her family at home. She even started writing her own stories. 

“I write about my life, about my dreams, and my mom,” she said. “When I get older, I want to write.”

Ariana’s advice to eighth graders who might be nervous about reading out loud is simple.

“You’re smart and brave. It’s okay to be afraid,” she said. “You’re still you, you’re just reading.”