One hundred percent literacy is a relatively modern goal. According to The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago (n.d.), writing was invented in 3200 BC. However, it was not until the Industrial Revolution, in the 19th century, that large numbers of ordinary people began to read and write. Today, most people believe that becoming a reader is a human right. Every decade, the literacy rate increases in most countries around the world, and the literacy rate in a number of countries has reached 99% (UNESCO, 2011). As literacy and poverty are linked, many countries view increasing literacy as a way to raise their standard of living. In this article, the authors talk about a heritage of literacy in the home. They suggest that if adults are to realize the hope of having everyone become a reader, they must play vital roles in children's lives from the moment they are born. Just as they work to offer good nutrition for children, they should provide experiences that begin a lifelong love of literacy.