**Second Lady Launches 2025 Summer Reading Challenge to Combat Declining Student Literacy**
In a bold move that has left educators scratching their heads and students rolling their eyes, Second Lady Karen “Bookworm” Biddlesworth has officially launched the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, a program designed to combat the alarming decline in student literacy. The initiative, dubbed “Read or Be Read,” aims to encourage kids to pick up books instead of their phones—an endeavor that experts say is about as likely as getting a cat to take a bath.
“Reading is fundamental,” Biddlesworth declared at the launch event, which was held in a library that had mysteriously run out of books. “If we can get kids to read just one book this summer, we’ll consider it a win. And if they can’t read, well, they can always just look at the pictures!”
The challenge encourages students to read a minimum of three books over the summer, with the promise of a free ice cream cone for every book completed. “Nothing motivates kids like the thought of ice cream,” Biddlesworth added, “except maybe the threat of having to read ‘War and Peace’ in one sitting.”
Local student and self-proclaimed “professional napper” Timmy McSlacker, 12, expressed his skepticism. “I’d rather binge-watch a show about a talking raccoon than read a book,” he said while scrolling through his phone. “But if there’s ice cream involved, I might consider it. Maybe.”
In a surprising twist, the Second Lady also announced a partnership with the popular social media app TikTok, where students can post videos of themselves dramatically reading passages from classic literature. “We’re calling it ‘LitTok,’” Biddlesworth explained. “If Shakespeare can go viral, so can your average middle schooler!”
As the summer approaches, educators are left wondering if this initiative will actually inspire students to read or if it will simply lead to a new trend of “ice cream reading,” where kids pretend to read while devouring frozen treats. “At this point, I’d settle for them just reading the labels on their ice cream,” said local teacher Ms. Penelope Page-Turner. “It’s a start!”
With the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge officially underway, one thing is clear: whether students choose to read or not, they’ll definitely be getting their daily dose of sugar. And who knows? Maybe this summer, literacy will make a comeback—right after the ice cream truck makes its rounds.
