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Charles Carroll Middle School kicked off its America's Choice 25-book campaign Friday with visiting authors who, along with teachers, told students that the more books they read, the smarter they'll become.

The America's Choice program asks each student to read 25 books or one million words by the end of the school year. The program has been either fully or partially implemented in 17 county middle schools and 22 elementary schools. A pilot America's Choice program began this year in 16 county high schools to assist students struggling to pass the High School Assessment, a graduation requirement.

Charles Carroll Principal Eric Wood said he wants to expand his students' vocabulary and English language proficiency. He also wants the community to become a part of the progress. A second part of the kick-off was a community gathering Saturday where New Carrollton Mayor Andrew Hanko, city police and parents came to the school to learn more about the program. Residents were also encouraged to set an example for students by reading themselves or asking about what genres interest them.

Charles Carroll did not make Adequate Yearly Progress—state Department of Education benchmarks for achieving proficiency in math and reading—for the 2007-2008 school year. But Wood said test scores are not his motivation for implementing America's Choice.

"My motivation is producing productive citizens and a literate society," Wood said.

During an early morning assembly in the school's cafeteria Friday, authors Mindie Burgoyne of Marion Station and Austin Camacho of Springfield, Va., spoke to students about why they started writing and the importance of reading.

Camacho, author of the Hannibal Jones mystery series, said he first became interested in books in elementary school after his librarian asked him what subjects interested him. Citing action and adventure as his favorite genres, the librarian suggested Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan of the Apes series. Camacho said he finished 24 Tarzan books by the time he started junior high school.

Camacho told students whether they realize it or not, they are in a race with other peers their age across the nation to receive as much education as possible and that the more they read, the more they will do better at everything.

"People in other places read more [and] study harder," Camacho said. "We have an obligation to them to show we've earned this place at the top of the mountain."

Burgoyne, who authored "Easton: Then and Now," released in 2007, admitted she was not always a fan of reading growing up but said it was necessary because it made her a better writer. Burgoyne encouraged students to read more, write often and attempt to get something published early if possible.

"Once you're published, even as a young person, many doors are open for you," Burgoyne said.

Charles Carroll's school literacy specialist, Kimberli Harrison, said students are given a calendar where they record the book title, its genre, how many minutes they read, what page they left off on in addition to writing summaries and answering questions for comprehension. Parents are also required to sign off on a form proving they completed the work.

Harrison said students are asked to read at least 30 minutes at home and read independently for 20 minutes in their 90-minute long language arts classes daily. Harrison said students have access to books in their classrooms, in the schools' media center and at their local library since New Carrollton Library representatives came to get students signed up for library cards.

"We're trying to build lifelong readers here," Harrison said.

Seventh-grader Taylor Hardy, 12, of District Heights said she usually finds books in book stores or inside the school's library. Though she did not have a favorite book, Hardy said her favorite genre is mystery.

"Because [with] mysteries you never know what's going to happen next," Hardy said.

E-mail Natalie McGill at nmcgill@gazette.net.