My teacher stopped by my desk, saw what I was reading and asked me to stay after class. I thought I was in trouble.
She had me read out loud to her and then took my to the library and informed the librarian that I was to be allowed free range privileges.
It was an elementary school library so it only had books suitable for up to sixth grade but it opened up a world to me.
When I was in the 2nd grade I was asked to read a story from a 6th grade reader on a local children’s radio show.
I started reading history and astronomy books about the time I was in 2nd or 3rd Grade. I devoured them. When I was in Junior High, my dad subscribed to Scientific American just to give me something to read. In 8th grade, I read Shirer’s “Rise and Fall of the Third Reich,” and when I was finished with it I read “Collapse of the Third Republic.” Just for fun.
Somehow, my older brother did not turn in his 9th grade World History textbook. By the time I got to 9th Grade, I’d read it cover to cover at least three times. Of course, being highly immature, I was the class clown. Poor Mr. Kosaveach didn’t know what to do with me because I knew the textbook better than he did.
When I was in high school, my parents allowed me a subscription to a Political Book of the Month Club. By the time I graduated high school, I’d read most of the essential works of socialism/communism, histories of Soviet Foreign Policy, histories of the American Revolution and political philosophy, Locke, Hobbes, and similar works. All in addition to an extensive history library.
Getting degrees in Political Science, History and German in 4 years was a breeze. Most fun four years of my life. And I still devour history books.