At VES, we would like to ensure that all students have something to read and an opportunity to read. We realize that the more students read, the more vocabulary they retain, the greater their ability to decode and comprehend text, and the greater their ability to achieve any goal. We also realize that book fairs help put students on a path that leads to a love of reading.

     We held our Fall Book Fair in the library on September 19^th – 22^nd, and the 25^th. “Saddle Up and Read” was the theme of the week. Our week was filled with fun! Every day there was something special happening to promote reading.

     On the last day of the book fair, grandparents filled the library. We held an event that we called, “Grandparent Round-Up”. Students were able to dress as cowboys and cowgirls and our grandparents graced us with their presence. They were given the opportunity to shop for a “good book” for their cowboys and cowgirls. They were served coffee and donuts. The event was a huge success.

     From our students’ viewpoint, the Book Fair gave them the opportunity to own a book, read it, and love it. Every day of the book fair, students were excited to make their purchases. It wasn’t just a book fair for them; it was an opportunity to escape into another world to which their eyes have been opened.