**Second Lady Launches 2025 Reading Challenge to Address Declining Student Literacy Rates**
In a bold move that has left educators scratching their heads and students rolling their eyes, Second Lady Karen “Bookworm” Biden has officially launched the 2025 Reading Challenge, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the alarming decline in student literacy rates. The challenge? Read a book. Any book. Even the one that’s been gathering dust on your shelf since 2015.
“Reading is fundamental,” said Biden, while holding up a copy of *War and Peace* like it was a trophy fish. “And if we can get kids to read just one book, we’ll consider it a win. I mean, how hard can it be? I read *Fifty Shades of Grey* in one sitting, and I still have my sanity!”
The challenge encourages students to read a minimum of one book per year, which, according to the latest statistics, is a significant increase from the current average of 0.5 books per student. “We’re aiming for the stars here,” said local librarian and self-proclaimed ‘Literary Ninja’ Chuck “The Bookinator” Thompson. “If we can get kids to read *Green Eggs and Ham*, we’ll be halfway to *Moby Dick*!”
Critics, however, are skeptical. “This is just another ploy to distract us from the real issues,” said high school senior and professional TikTok dancer, Jenna “The Page Turner” Smith. “I mean, who has time to read when there are dance challenges to master?”
In a surprising twist, the Second Lady has also announced a partnership with popular fast-food chains to incentivize reading. “For every book read, students will receive a coupon for a free burger,” she declared, adding, “Because nothing says ‘I love literature’ like a side of fries!”
As the nation gears up for the 2025 Reading Challenge, one thing is clear: if students can survive reading *The Great Gatsby* while simultaneously scrolling through their phones, they can conquer anything. And if not, well, there’s always the option to just watch the movie.
