“How many books have you read during the year?”
That was the question I was asking all my sixth-grade students as I filled out forms at the end of the year. When I asked that question to Spencer, a Latter-day Saint student in my class, he said, “None.”
I said, “Do you mean to tell me you have been in sixth grade for one year and you have not read any books?”
He was silent for a long time.
Finally, he looked up, holding back tears, and asked, “Does the Book of Mormon count?”
I was touched. “Yes, it counts,” I assured him. “Have you been reading in the Book of Mormon?” He said, “I just finished it.” I was impressed. “Spencer,” I said, “that’s hard reading for a sixth grader.” He replied, “No. It’s the best book I’ve ever read.”
This year we will be studying the Book of Mormon together in Come, Follow Me. It’s the perfect time to do what Spencer did and read it all the way through. This year, let’s rediscover what a wonderful book it is.
—Brother Brad Wilcox
First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency