Some of my fondest memories are of sitting quietly wrapped in my mother's arms, listening to her read to me. Unfortunately, not every child is as fortunate as I was.
Some children enter school without even knowing the basics, such as the alphabet and counting.
For these children, reading and learning can often be a struggle. And, it is a struggle that affects every American because if our children are not able to read, they are not able to lead. Our challenge is to reach these children early and lift them to success. My experiences as a mother and an elementary school teacher have taught me that children that are ready to read are ready to learn. As First Lady, I will work tirelessly to make sure that every child gains the basic skills to be successful in school and in life.