Reading is a nationwide effort

Jen Robinson has inspired a lot of chatter in the Kidlitosphere this week about what parents can do help their kids read.
Alice Thomson's article in the UK's Daily Telegraph reminds us that parents aren't the only ones who can make an impact. While she's talking about the British Government here, her points are just as relevant on this side of the Atlantic.

Parents: Be role models! Put down the remote, shut down the computer, and pick up a book.
Authors: Stop playing it safe; kids LIVE for danger, risk, death, and REAL issues.
Schools: Place less emphasis (and budget) on computer literacy and more on reading and stocking up libraries.
Government: Stop shutting down libraries and giving schools so many administrative tasks that take teachers' time away from reading to their students.

Increasing literacy rates and instilling the joy of reading in children is a team effort, and we need the support of some big time players.