LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — One by one, the mystery unfolded.
Gasps quickly turned to cheers inside classrooms at School No. 2 as surprise guests stepped through the doors, each carrying a book, a smile, and a shared mission: to spark a love of reading.
The special visits (Feb. 27) were part of the school’s “Mystery Reader Day,” a lively literacy initiative designed to build excitement around books while connecting students with community leaders and role models.
Among the surprise readers were Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, board members Craig Halloran and Lymari Cintron, Maria Boulin from Mayor Derek Armstead’s office, and Danie Orelien, director of the district’s Multilingual Learners Department.
For students, the experience felt like part guessing game, part celebration. When the mystery guests finally appeared, the room filled with anticipation and delight. Each reader visited at least two classrooms, sharing stories with students across multiple grade levels, from Pre-K through fourth grade, bringing books to life through expressive storytelling and lively conversation.
The message of the day was simple but powerful: reading opens worlds.
