In elementary school, they enforced reading by giving awards and trips to Six Flags for people who read the most books. In middle school, they had book fairs. But in high school, they seem to have nothing. I find reading very important, because you can learn anything through reading. But, the older we get, it seems that the promotion of literacy is decreasing. Instead of discussing what we bought at the Scholastics book fair, teens talk about how much they binge-watch Netflix the night before. I remember the days of staying up late reading. I understand that there is less time to read as you get older, but if you find time to sleep, you have time to read. No one’s saying you need to read an hour a day, but a chapter here and there can really improve your vocabulary, and you get a riveting story out of it. It's kind of like watching Netflix but better! Here's how to dive back into the books.

1. YALSA

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YASLA) has an annual Teen Read Week, which is perfect for those of us still into reading or wanting to get others to read. It encourages teenagers to contribute to their local libraries, and it even promotes reading for English learners. YALSA also has activities for teens like voting for your favorite 2017 young adult novel, so it's even interactive!

2. DogoBooks

DogoBooks is a book review site that often has free book giveaways. This website is geared more towards lower grade levels, but it still has some young adult novels like "All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven and "Everything Everything" by Nicola Yoon.

3. In-school book clubs

Book clubs at school or local libraries are a good way to make reading interesting for those who generally don't pick up a book. I started a book club at my school, and we have gone on trips to watch movie adaptations of books. We also have a library advisory group at my school that helps make book reviews, host events, order new books and decorate the library. You'll come for the service hours, but you'll stay for the books. If you are wondering how to help out your library check out YASLA's 10 ways to support your library!

4. Cheaper books = $aved

Cheap books are the best way to convert new bookworms. The next time you recommend a must-read book to a friend, have a couple of places they can get it. The library is always there, but if they want to buy it, they can check Thriftbooks,Book Depository and many other websites. I personally recommend the books: "Enter Title Here" by Rahul Kanakia and "Crunch Time" by Mariah Fredricks to my fellow school nerds.

5. Apps

Apps are a teens' best friend. Take advantage of your friends' cell phone addiction, and introduce them to apps like Goodreads, BookBub, Kindle and Wattpad. Goodreads and Bookbub also offer deals on books and ebooks – sometimes for free!

If you can read, you can succeed. Reading allows you to teach yourself anything. Allowing you to explore new worlds, only novels can provide. Convert your friends to show them how much better life can be!