Tallahassee, Florida - Have you taken the pledge yet?
Florida's First Lady Ann Scott is encouraging schoolchildren and their parents to take a summer reading pledge.
On Wednesday, she read to a group of children in the historic lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park as part of Florida's "Summer Literacy Adventure." The program challenges Floridians, especially students, to read as many books as they can this summer.
Studies show students who read throughout the year are better able to retain their knowledge.
Ann Scott says she has taken the pledge and has five books on her summer reading list.
"I hope if you haven't taken the pledge that all of you will take a pledge to read this summer and hopefully even more than your pledge. The school that reads the most books, I will come and visit your school in the fall."
Ann Scott told the students she loved reading when she was a child. Mrs. Scott, still a voracious reader today, said she would challenge herself to see how many books she could read over the course of a summer.
"I grew up in Texas and we did not have air conditioning so I would head outside under a tree and read and I couldn't think of anything more enjoyable or relaxing."
More than 7,000 students have taken the online reading pledge so far.
You can sign up for the program at www.justreadflorida.com
Dave Heller