Ernie Gabrielson was standing in line at the bookstore next to a little boy. As they struck up a conversation, the boy told Gabrielson how much he loved to read. The older man, an avid reader, retired teacher, principal, and coach, insisted on paying for the boy's books. Gabrielson felt such happiness from that act that he decided to continue to give books to other children--almost whenever he sees them.

He only approaches children who are with their parents, of course, and only after receiving parental permission. Gabrielson gives books to kids at bowling alleys, grocery stores, and museums. And, about three times a week he takes the bus to the local mall and hands out books--childhood classics like "Black Beauty" and "Huckleberry Finn" to contemporary bestsellers like "Harry Potter"--at the food court. And inside every book is a card that reads, "Reading is the path to everywhere! I hope this small gift is a step along that path. --Ernie Gabrielson."

Gabrielson's own love of reading was sparked by his high-school English teacher. She assigned "The Count of Monte Cristo," by Alexandre Dumas. When he went to the library and discovered it was 1,300 pages long, he balked. The teacher negotiated with him--she'd give him credit if he read 100 pages of the classic. She knew what she was doing, remembers Gabrielson, "You can't put that book down."

To read more about this generous man and his mission "to light a spark in kids," go to http://www.azstarnet.com/accent/258358areerbuilder.com/.

If you are a subscriber to Reading A-Z (www.readinga-z.com) think about having your students color a copy of their favorite book to give to a friend. Have students include a note on why they enjoyed the book and stating that they hope their friend will too. Or you could set up a pen-pal program where they send books to pen pals.