Using his own experiences as a reader, the author advocates for increased attention to diverse literatures. Since joining National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 1997, the author has worked with members who include preservice, beginning, and experienced educators and scholars; they have formed committees and founded groups for professional inclusion and growth. Overall, they are committed to social change, reflection, and action that can bring literacy opportunities to the lives of students--of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and colors--and their diverse communities. Today's students need not spend their reading time in a book room like he did years ago seeking new discoveries; new digital media and social networks allow an alternate, yet holistic and integrated transaction among reader, text, media, and society. Carol Jago says: "Reading literature helps students see the world both as it is and as it might be. It helps prevent political blindness". Educators must guide students to see the world and pay attention. They must examine and reexamine their reading lives as they learn from a global society that is interconnected to language arts education.