Kids were jumping out of their seats in excitement at PS 124 in Chinatown this Tuesday morning. Not only did they get to meet one of their favorite Disney channel stars, Laura Marano of the series “Austin & Ally,” their school was also the lucky recipient of a donation of thousands of books from Capital One. The bank’s Book by Book Initiative, which was launched this winter as part of Capital One’s Investing For Good Program, wants to encourage the next generation’s passion for reading by donating 50,000 books to schools across the country. Students from the school also received age-appropriate books that they could take home after school.
As an avid reader herself, Laura Marano was happy to advocate for the cause because “everyone deserves the opportunity to get their own books.” The young actress talked to the students of PS124 about her Disney channel show and how important books had been in her life, identifying Harry Potter as a series that made her fall in love with reading. Encouraging the school’s students to read frequently, Marano said “when I read a book, my whole being is engulfed in the story.” The students of PS124, most of whom raised their hands in excitement when asked if they had seen Marano’s show, were also given the opportunity to ask questions.
After the event, we sat down with Marano to talk to her about reading and her advice for aspiring young actors and musicians.
Why is Young Reader’s Day Important to You?
It’s an important concept. To me, reading is such a magical thing and I think [kids] should start as early as possible to really get into the fantasy of reading. It [will] help you out for the rest of your life.
What books did you love to read when you were younger?
I read Where the Red Fern Grows…it’s a really good book. I remember just crying and feeling so many intense emotions and I absolutely loved it. I was 9 or 10 when I read it. It was one of the first semi-classic books that I read. I read Siddhartha when I was like 14 or 15. That was such a good book; I became obsessed with it. And I just read Pride & Prejudice so now Jane Austen has taken over my life.
Why do you think it is important to make reading a part of your life?
Research has shown that kids that have interest in reading succeed more academically. But [that] aside, from [my] personal experience, it has enriched my life. It has made me more aware of certain things, expanded my imagination; it has made me more aware of different cultures and ways of life.
Do you have any advice for any young kids who want to be singers or actors?
I think [you should] start working as early as possible. If you want to be an actor, start doing plays in the neighborhood…I started doing plays when I was little and it just gave me such appreciation for acting. And for singing: take vocal lessons, try singing a little every day, drink hot water so you aren’t hurting your voice, and, keep working at it! That’s the main thing. If you keep working at something you love, there’s no way you can’t succeed!
How can others get involved with the cause?
Bringing books to needy children is as easy as a click of a mouse! The Book by Book initiative created by Capital One, in partnership with The Heart of American Foundation and Communities in Schools, is running its digital campaign through its Facebook page. For every “like” on the Investing for Good page, a book will be donated to a child in need. In addition, those who enter the sweepstakes before November 25 could win a custom home library.
