In this 21^st century world of amazing high-definition films, television, games and not to mention the all powerful Internet at our finger-tips… are books becoming unfashionable?

A recent survey said one in four adults didn’t read a book last year.  Those who did were usually women or older people. This reflected in recent book sales.

The survey concluded that the people who were not reading came from lower income, minorities, and the less-educated population.

Is education the main reason why people aren’t reading? Children are more inclined to play computer games or watch television than sit down and read the latest best seller.

But, is that about to change? Has an interest in early literacy really grown to a frenzy in the United States? Will the millions of dollars pumped into the No Child Left Behind initiative bring forward a new generation of literary performers and a nation of book lovers?

In the United States, nearly 70 percent of inner city fourth graders are unable to read at a basic level. The U.S. Government has bought in the No Child Left Behind policy so all children should be educated to their full potential. Additional funds will be distributed to needy schools and the administration will work with Congress to ensure that this happens quickly. States and school districts may lose funds if goals and objectives aren’t met.

Effective reading instruction includes teaching children to break apart and manipulate the sounds in words. Teaching them these sounds are represented by letters of the alphabet which can be blended together to form words. Having them practice what they have learned by reading aloud with guidance and feedback, and applying reading comprehension strategies to guide and improve reading comprehension can increase their desire to read.

Things are changing. For example, Charlene Wang, a thirteen year old, won an essay competition on”What it’s like to be a real American.” And the recent phenomenon of the ”Lord of the Rings” and JK Rowling’s ”Harry Potter” series has made a huge impact.

Parents are now saying their children are reading more than they ever did in their day. So I believe the next generation of story tellers will be bigger and better!

So, why is it that the book you’ve meant to read so many times is still gathering dust on the bookshelf?

“No matter how busy you think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Confucius.