Read Across Madisonville to teach kids, families the joy and power of reading

Fourth graders Kyndal Kelly and Amia Knight love burying their noses in book after book after book.  "When I'm bored, I just pick up a book and read it and learn," Knight said. She loves books about the weather. Kelly is more a fan of magic -- especially Harry Potter. They both agree, however, that reading is fundamental. "Reading inspires people," Kelly said. "It inspires people to do what they normally wouldn't do. It could help them with things in their lives." That's why the pair attends each month's Family Literacy Night at John P. Parker School. The April iteration of the event, according to literacy coordinator Rachel Curry, will be extra-special: Dubbed Read Across Madisonville, it will feature an appearance by author Cheryl Wills and double down on encouraging children to appreciate the gift of literacy. "We decided for this particular month we're going to ramp it up a notch and really celebrate literacy and all the great things that come along with it," Curry said. "Literacy is the key out to education. It's the ticket out of poverty." The event will take place Thursday afternoon, and families can attend for free. Anyone wishing to RSVP can do so online.