First and second graders at Reese Road Elementary School performed the play, “Always Room for One More,” on Tuesday, sharing what they’ve learned with parents, teachers and friends.
The ten students have been reading the Anne M. Miranda story twice a week since the beginning of November as part of the America Reads program.
Thanks to the help of 16 mentors from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, sponsored by Catholic Charities, the positive message seems to have reached the young thespians.  
“I like how the family gets together.” said Thaddeus Jones, playing the grandpa character. “(It shows) People can work together.”
Working hard and reading a lot allowed for a lot of growth over the course of the program.
Organizer and retired Reese Road teacher Lucille Hand, part of America Reads since its beginnings in 2000,  said,  “We try to improve their reading skills and self esteem.”
The kids also enjoyed dressing up for their roles, with some wearing aprons, sailor hats, and mustaches.
“I liked my character (grandpa) because he was old and wore glasses,” said Jones, who then added the real reason he picked his part, “and he had a good heart.”