The five books every student should read

To get smarter, students need to read.

Teachers say it. Parents repeat it. Dozens of smiling celebrities on READ posters reinforce it. It’s true -- books are important.

But there sure are an awful lot of them. That begs the question: Which books should every student read before they graduate?

The answer lies on the shelves at The Book Stop, located at 1122 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen. Mike and Sylvia Blackmore, a couple from Donna, opened the store about 18 months ago after collecting books for years. They traveled throughout the state, and they put together a diverse collection of literature.

They have nonfiction, classic novels, religious and philosophical books, science fiction and work by local authors. It’s all sold at a major discount, often for less than half price.

Their customer base is diverse, ranging from veteran-Winter-Texans-looking-for-war books to doctors-from-Reynosa-interested-in-studying-Buddhist-philosophy books. They also get their share of young readers.

“Our biggest thrill is when someone comes in looking for a book, and we find it and hand it to them,” Mike Blackmore said.

The couple travels throughout Texas, buying books from collectors, estate sales and other retailers. They look at the quality, condition and rarity of the work. In their store, every book is wrapped in plastic to preserve the pages and prevent yellowing.

They sell some valuable books, including a $425 first edition copy of “Alcoholics Anonymous” printed in 1950. For serious collectors, they keep a private set of books available upon request.

“It just starts with one book,” said Sylvia Blackmore. “You keep adding and adding and adding and before you know it, you have a book shop.”

And you also help young readers fall in love with the written word.

Five Books Every Student Should Read

Recommendations by Mike and Sylvia Blackmore, owners of The Book Stop in McAllen

“Cry, The Beloved Country”

By Alan Paton

This novel tells the story of a Zulu priest in South Africa, whose son has been arrested for murder. The priest accidentally meets the father of the man his son killed. “Cry, The Beloved Country” is the story of these two fathers.

The story can teach children about violence, race issues and the results of acting without thinking, Mike Blackmore says. “It gives the readers a different perspective,” he said.

“Idylls of the King”

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“Idylls of the King” compiles 14 stories about King Arthur, Merlin and The Knights of the Round Table. It’s classic adventure story-telling at its best. The iconic characters in the stories fight battles, defend the honor of maidens and demonstrate valor.

“Idylls of the King” may be a difficult read for some, due to the poetic nature of its prose, but Mike Blackmore recommends it to anyone who enjoys adventure stories. The characters and tales within have been shared for hundreds of years, and it’s a must-read for any fan of literature.

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad”

By Robert T. Kiyosaki

This book tells the story of two men. The author’s father works hard his entire life and dies without a penny to his name. His best friend’s dad drops out of school at 13 and becomes one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. The story follows them and teaches readers about successful financial strategies.

“All kids should read about money management the way things are going right now,” Sylvia Blackmore said.

And this is the book they would recommend. No matter what career a student chooses, money will be a big part of it, and this book can teach them how to better manage that.

“The Good Earth”

By Pearl S. Buck

“The Good Earth” tells the story of a farmer and his wife during the reign of the last emperor in China. The story, told in the tradition of Chinese literature, tackles universal themes such as women’s rights, family, class, morality and adapting to a changing modern world.

In addition to being an entertaining read, Mike and Sylvia Blackmore also recommend this novel because of the many lessons students learn from it. From gender issues to hard work, “The Good Earth” demonstrates many important issues.

“Three Cups of Tea”

By Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

In 1993, Greg Mortenson tried to climb Pakistan’s K2, the second highest mountain in the world. He failed to reach the peak, but the attempt led him to build schools in remote regions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He continues to work at replacing bombs with books, and this is his story.

Students should read this work, because it is an inspirational tale that also educates about culture in the Middle East. In the Middle East, every family offers guests a cup of tea. If you are friends, they offer you two cups. If you are like family, you get three cups of tea.

Mike Blackmore said the book will make students realize that it’s not all that different from their own culture.

“I’ve always said, ‘You don’t have a friend unless they sit at the table and eat with you,’” he said.

Series of books to create a love of reading for youngsters:

• “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
• “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
• “Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer
• “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L'Engle
• “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• “Hank the Cowdog” by John Erickson

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.