In this day and age, technology is everything. People often look to phones for entertainment but it is not always the healthiest option. Putting down the phone and picking up a book is a very different way of entertainment. During I Love to Read month, that is exactly what happens.

Every year schools spend the month of February celebrating books and the ability to read. Classes have different activities throughout the month that get students to interact with different books and get them interested in an activity that does not involve electronics. Each year contains different activities, depending on the books focused on that year.

The American Library Association (ALA) announces winners for the Caldecott and Newbery awards on Feb. 12. These awards are given to books that are outstanding or are above a typical level. They contain outstanding content and often have a surprising plot twist.

“I am more likely to look at a book if it has been recognized for something,” junior Connor Kilkelly said, “it means that it will more likely be a challenge to read and push me past my comfortable reading level.”

During I Love to Read month this year, there are roughly 49 young adult book releases. At the top of the list are Daughter of the Siren Queen, the second book of the Daughter of the Pirate King series written by Tricia Levenseller, and The Queen’s Rising, which is a stand-alone book written by Rebecca Ross. Both books are fantasy novels and based around a teenage girl who finds new experiences.

“I’ve been looking forward to Daughter of the Siren Queen for ages now. I loved the first book of the series and I can’t wait for more. The storyline caught my attention so quick and it was different than the other books I typically read,” junior Hannah Ferguson said.

One author I Love to Read month focus’ on is Dr. Seuss.  Seuss’ style of writing is very different than most authors. His books help students to think outside the box and embrace their creativity. They show abstract and wacky worlds where “normal” does not exist. Interactive activities like draw your own character or make up your own alphabet are easier with Dr. Seuss books since his writing is so abstract that anything could be creative.

“I am thrilled to see more books depicting characters and lives that are diverse that will be able to touch readers and allow them to relate to the book in a much more intimate way,” media specialist Natasha Thorager said, “I do feel that we owe much to Dr. Seuss, however, and all he has done for getting beginning readers excited about reading.”

I Love to Read month is a fun and interesting way to start reading. “As I kid, I couldn’t wait for this month to come around. It was one of the best experiences of school I have ever had,” junior Connor Kilkelly said, “it really made me interested in reading more and sharing my favorite books.”