Davis Elementary welcomed State Representative Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos to read to second-grade and third-grade students ahead of winter break.

Before reading, Rodriguez Ramos introduced herself and explained the role of a state representative. She described her work at the Texas Capitol in Austin and said that her love of reading as a child helped her enjoy books, a skill that has been important in her career as a lawmaker and a lawyer, where reading plays a major role every day.

She also shared her personal story, noting that her family did not have much extra money growing up, but she was always trying to read and find new books.

Rodríguez Ramos then read “¡Tamales! ¡Tamales! ¡Tamales!” by Nina Flores, a bilingual story about Sofia, a young girl who prepares tamales for her neighborhood celebration.

Students were excited to hear the story and eager to take their books home, sharing what they learned about holiday traditions with their families.

She also shared her favorite quote with the students. “The one who doesn’t read only lives once, but the one who reads lives 1,000 lives,” she said. The quote reminds her how much she loves reading and hopes to inspire students to grow their own love of books.

As a holiday treat, she provided every student with a copy of “¡Tamales! ¡Tamales! ¡Tamales!” to take home and enjoy with their families.

Through her visit, students saw how a love of reading can make a difference in school, work, and life.