A child’s right to read

Do you consider reading a basic human right?

Imagine you cannot read. Reading is only for the educated and the elite. You have no way to know what’s happening outside your small part of the world. The only stories you know are the ones passed down from generation to generation, if you are lucky enough to have a story teller. The only news you hear comes from a traveler passing through and may be ancient by the time you hear it. If only you could read. 

Imagine you can read but don’t have access to books, magazines, and newspapers. You have the longing but with no materials and are completely dependent on others for information. You have no way to see what others think, learn history, expand your horizons. If only you had words to read. 

Imagine you can read but all your reading materials are carefully chosen for you. Every piece of writing had a specific purpose, and when you picked up something of interest, you were told to put it back. That choice, your choice, is too easy or to hard. What would you do? Would reading for pleasure, understanding, knowledge be important if you were always told what read? If only you had choice in what to read.

Do you consider reading a basic human right?