“Sometimes as writers, we don’t get to do what we love to do most: read,” said Smith when asked about his favorite books.

King talked to the students about how they should not let go of their dreams.

“I had to write seven novels before I was published,” she said.

Perez was very happy that Smith and King encouraged her to not give up, even if it takes a couple of tries.

“It was nice to know that it is possible for people to reach their goals,” said Perez.

Perez is looking forward to reading a book published by one of the two authors that she met Monday.

Other rotations that the students participated in included carnival games and book reading, to help them narrow down what books they plan on reading for their project.

Pelfrey and Carr did not put on the rally alone; they had help from parent volunteers Linda Kopp, Karen Myring, Cheryl Shaw, and Martha McIntyre as well as former EDA students to organize activities and encourage students to read.

“It is a way to become reconnected with books and try to get students to broaden their horizons with reading,” said sophomore Manaila Woods who helped Pelfrey organize the event.

To close out the day students checked out books that they were interested in reading, and took them home so they could unplug and read.