In a world filled with constant notifications, quick posts, and short videos, the quiet power of a book can feel extraordinary. Books are still one of the most meaningful ways in which we share ideas, can keep culture alive, and connect across both time and generations. On April 23, we celebrate World Book Day—a chance to recognize not just the written word, but the deep emotional and intellectual connections built between readers and writers. In this week’s blog, NEHS student leaders from PrepaTec Sonora Norte in Mexico share what books mean to them, the challenges reading faces today, and why young readers and writers are key to keeping a love of literature alive.
Through Ink, We Live
A book. What is a book? Is it just a collection of papers filled with random words written in ink to compose and link sentences? Well, technically, yes—but, in reality, it’s so much more than that. A book is a world of its own. Every page of it holds a story filled with passion, meaning, and lessons waiting to be discovered and learned. There are countless ways for people to communicate, but none of them compare to the beautiful and profound art of writing. Too often, reading is seen as “boring”—something only “smart” people do. And in our era of social media, even with trends like BookTok on TikTok and others promoting reading, people are still reading less and less. Their attention is drawn more toward short posts and quick videos they can find on social media apps.
Books hold memories and dreams that are passed from one soul to another through ink and through time. But what makes books truly magnificent is their ability to form a deep emotional bond between the reader and the writer, without the two ever having to meet. That’s why we want to write about one of the most important (and too often forgotten) days in literary culture: World Book Day.
Without us even realizing it, books have been with us throughout various stages of our lives. Who doesn’t remember their first bedtime story, or the excitement of receiving their very first schoolbook from a teacher? These moments often leave a long-lasting impact on us. One day, we’re all going to realize that books aren’t just paper, they are companions; they become our memories, which we carry with us as we grow.
We celebrate World Book Day on April 23 to acknowledge the impact books have had throughout history. This date was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1995, with the aim of encouraging the habit of reading and publishing, promoting equal access to books, and recognizing their importance in education. The choice of this date is symbolic, as it marks the anniversary of the deaths of some of the most influential figures in the history of literature such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, P. L. Travers (best known for Mary Poppins), and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. This is a reminder of how powerful words can be, even long after a writer is gone.
Each year since 2001 a different city is chosen as the World Book Capital to help spread the initiative of promoting a culture of reading in their society. But beyond titles and official names, what matters the most is what books do for us personally.
World Book Day helps us understand that books hold up a mirror to society; they reflect who we are and the times we live in. With each generation, they undergo changes in popular themes and genres, style, and even the problems they raise, reflecting the world we are living in and the dreams we dare to have.
However, today many books are being taken from our reach or censored. This not only limits our access to knowledge and ideas but also harms education, silences diverse voices, spreads fear and division, and threatens our freedom. That’s why it is essential we begin to appreciate and celebrate World Book Day, as it deserves, and recognize the powerful role books play in shaping who we are.
World Book Day is a celebration of the power that books have in connecting people across cultures, generations, and time. It symbolizes the emotions and messages that authors strive to share with the world, creating unique and individual experiences for each reader, regardless of where they are. The purpose of having a special day to celebrate books is to demonstrate to new generations that literature is one of the most universal and meaningful forms of artistic expression. As NEHS student members, we believe it is our responsibility to share and pass on this passion for reading and writing.
Lana Salamé was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to Lebanese parents. She has two older brothers, both born in Canada, reflecting her multicultural heritage across three countries. She graduated from Colegio Bilingüe Nueva Galicia, where she studied from preschool through middle school. Currently, Lana is in her fourth semester of high school at Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Sonora Norte, where she holds an academic scholarship. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Arabic, Lana is passionate about literature, art, and dance. During middle school, she hosted a national conference and participated in The Brilliant People’s Mind, MUN, and an oratory contest. Currently, Lana is the President of the National English Honor Society at her campus, celebrating her first year in the role this semester.
Camila Salomé Flores Uribe was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. She lives with both her parents and her younger sister. She has always been a disciplined and responsible student. Now studying her fourth semester of high school in Tecnologico de Monterrey with an academic scholarship, she has been listed on honor rolls throughout her elementary and middle school career. She is ranked second for academic excellence in her bicultural academic program. She is the Secretary of the National English Honor Society at Campus Sonora Norte. Not only is she interested in academics, but she also invests time in her physical health by practicing taekwondo. She started as soon as she entered high school, and her persistence has allowed her to reach the advanced blue belt.
Camila Meneses Ortiz was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. She has two loving parents who have always supported her, and a cute dog named Gastón, who has been by her side since she was seven. Camila is a joyful and grateful person who gives thanks every day for the amazing experiences she has had, such as being Vice President of the National English Honor Society at Campus Sonora Norte, traveling to Washington DC with people from different countries to visit the White House, and participating in student groups like the “Sociedad de Estudiantes de Arte y Cultura” and the theater group “Quinta Pared Teatro.” She is currently in her fourth semester at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Sonora Norte. Camila has proven to be a dedicated student, earning academic excellence in high school, and she is determined to keep achieving new academic and extracurricular goals.
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.
America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.
As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.
National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.
