Book enthusiasts of all ages will share in commemorating the twelfth annual World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, a global celebration that aims to promote storytelling, and more importantly, to spark an interest in reading for a variety of audiences. 

Organized by both Scholastic and LitWorld, the celebration is recognized in schools nationwide, including within Frisco ISD. 

For sophomore Olivia Paulk, reading is an enjoyable part of everyday life. 

“I’ve been reading before I was supposed to, actually,” Paulk said. “At this point in my life, I’ve read the whole Harry Potter series thirteen times through. A chance to step into another world, into another person’s story, our world and lives aren’t always the best, and being able to take a chance at another reality is comforting to me.” 

Paulk is hopeful that World Read Aloud Day is successful in reaching new audiences, specifically with regards to those who aren’t able to read. 

“Putting an emphasis on how important reading is can only lead to good,” they said. “Literacy is something everyone should have the joy of knowing. The privilege of living a well-read life is not something I take for granted. The ability of picking a book you want to read and being able to sit down and enjoy it is special, [which is why] everyone who can read should help others learn.”

As a language teacher, Spanish instructor Ninfa Loera believes reading aloud encourages conversation and is a main force in teaching a language, which is why she is in support of World Read Aloud Day. 

“You are not only going over situations that aren’t everyday, but you are modeling expressions and vocabulary,” she said. “So it can help someone who’s learning [a new language], or who hasn’t experienced something in the story you’re sharing about.”

Each year as the holiday rolls by, Loera reads her students a picture book at the beginning of class. 

“I think it breaks up the norm,” she said. “I feel like especially with high school students, it’s something out of the ordinary, but it’s also comforting because it’s something you might remember from Kindergarten or when you were younger.”