Northeast Middle School students Friday listened to adults read rhyming books.

They did not dare to give the guest readers disrespectful looks.

Students smiled and listened to someone read “Green Eggs and Ham.”

They liked it, almost as much as a character named Sam I am.

Fifth and sixth grade English language arts classes visited the school library to hear a state representative, a school board member, a local judge, a retired educator and a journalist read books written by Theodor Geisel, a man commonly known to millions of readers as Dr. Seuss.

On what would have been the author’s 114th birthday, schools across the country participated in Read Across America, an event promoting literacy by reading Seuss’ books, titles including “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” 

Northeast Middle School librarian Kim Wilkerson said the annual event often involves elementary school students but didn’t hesitate to expand it to the middle school.

“To me, kids and adults learn from the lessons of Dr. Seuss,” she said.

The biggest lesson she wanted students of all ages to learn Friday connected reading with learning and fun. Lauderdale County School Board member Kelvin Jackson and state Rep. Charles Young Jr. both agreed that having students smiling, laughing and enjoying reading has serious benefits to the young learners.

“It’s critical that schools make reading fun,” Jackson said. “Without the ability to read, you can’t function to your fullest potential in this world.”

Both Jackson and Young read “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” to classes of fifth and sixth graders, a book of encouragement and inspiration for people of all ages.

Students who listened to the adults read Seuss books said they enjoyed the books but had different reasons why. Aniiyah Jenkins liked them for the rhymes and funny situations. Picky eater Jasimine Clayton admited to relating to the book “Green Eggs and Ham.” Hanna Ali said she knew Dr. Seuss books can entertain her if she gets bored. Eric Fults liked “The Cat in the Hat” the most. 

School counselor Terisa Pittman said she liked Dr. Seuss books for lessons they can teach young readers.

“Most of his stories have a moral to them,” she said.

This annual event of reading Dr. Seuss books began on March 2, 1998, and has grown into one of the largest celebrations of reading in the United States. The National Education Association’s website states that more than 3.2 million educators participate each year in the annual literacy effort.

“Reading is always fundamental,” state Rep. Young said.