Elwood Middle School students heard from former professional football player and best-selling author Tim Green on April 7.

Sponsored by the school’s PTA, Mr. Green spoke about his career, the importance of reading and his newest book, “Baseball Genius.” The students learned about how Mr. Green evolved from a successful athlete to a writer and also heard the inspiration behind some of his stories.

Throughout the presentation, Mr. Green stressed the significance of what education can do for a person. He explained that his own education allowed him to follow new and exciting opportunities that would not have been presented to him otherwise.

He also encouraged the students to find books that speak to them personally and not to judge books by their covers, adding that there is a book for everyone.

“Students who read become more compassionate,” he said. “You are putting yourself in another person’s shoes so find books that you enjoy.”