Language arts and assigned reading are two things intertwined with each other. In english or language arts, everyone knows you must read books for class. In freshman year, many students read To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, and Night, teaching a message. And while many do not read these books and use Sparknotes to read a summary, these assigned books are more important than you think. In truth, these assigned books improve your academics and yourself, not waste your time.

While it may sound obvious that not reading books lowers your academic performance, it is more impactful than that. Reading comprehension has been declining among our children and citizens since 2021. As reported by Reading is a Fundamental, 20% of Americans read below the needed reading level to have a living wage, and 67% of fourth graders read below their grade level. This problem in fourth grade continues to adulthood, as shown. One reason reading scores have declined is the lack of reading. Many Americans have stopped reading and instead find other entertainment online. This is why schools have mandatory readings; our AP language classes even have summer reading for our students. Having students read more and become better at comprehension is important. The other reason scores are lower is that people skip these assigned books and instead use Sparknotes. While Sparknotes has been around since 1999, technology allows anyone to use their phone anytime. This combines with lower reading comprehension, which is important in daily life and increases brain development or activity.

Assigned books are also teaching the class a message or changing our worldview. For example, To Kill a Mockingbird explains the golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated, but in greater depth. The message of To Kill a Mockingbird is to understand people by putting yourself in their shoes. Atticus says this in the book and is shown throughout the book. Reading To Kill A Mockingbird in high school reminds people to treat others kindly and nicely when entering a new school. Don’t treat shy or different people differently as that could be a sin, which To Kill a Mockingbird explains through people like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Romeo and Juliet give a different message on how love can be powerful and dangerous if followed blindly. The book shows how beautiful love is, with romance and their marriage, showing how happy it makes them. But in the end, their love blinded them when they both killed themselves for the other person. During high school, with hormones and thoughts of dating start, it is crucial to show what love is and can be. Night, in a different vein, explains the Holocaust to freshmen, not only teaching some world history but also teaching the mistakes of humankind. Night shows a graphic retelling of the Holocaust, describing the atrocities the Nazis did. This makes the class less naive and opens their eyes to the suffering that could and does happen worldwide. While also allowing a survivor to explain his grief. It also reminds everyone to give compassion to each other after reading about someone who received no compassion. All of these books are made to instill good morals and teaching into incoming students.

Assigned reading is there to help our students with their reading and build their character. This does not even include how overall reading is good for you and increases the neurons in your brain and overall brain activity. So next time you are assigned a book, try to read it. Many of the books chosen are well-written and enjoyable if given a chance. Now, walk into English and enjoy your new book.