Q: Why is reading important in today's society?

A: Reading is more important today than it ever was — it is crucial to being an informed citizen, to succeed in one's chosen career, and to personal fulfillment. Remember when people thought technology would decrease the need to read? I find I have more access to text than ever, more specialized magazines, more books being published, more newspapers and more articles to read on the Internet, just like we are communicating now.

But first things first: Children who read well do better in other subjects and in all aspects of schooling and beyond. As the world becomes more complex, reading is increasingly important for children trying to find their place in it.