I have set a goal to read 30 books this year and will be challenging my students to set an achievable reading goal for themselves this year including adding some variety into the genres that we select books from.   Reading is not only a great way to learn about new things, but so many fun adventures can be experienced, new vocabulary can be introduced and characters bring to life opportunities to develop empathy and compassion for others and their experiences.   Reading professional writing improves a person's ability to craft meaningful sentences, paragraphs and essays.