On Tuesday, February 26, Mavs guard JJ Barea and forward Brandon Bass visited Onesimo Hernandez Elementary to help celebrate literacy with more than 600 students and their families.

Barea and Bass spoke to the kids about the importance of reading, letting them know that reading and getting an education is the foundation for all that they will do in life. The guys told the students that even though they played basketball reading was a fundamental part of their lives - everyday they have to read playbooks, scouting reports and stats to keep up with the other teams in the league.

Afterwards, they helped present achievement certificates to the school’s top readers who earned “All Star” and “MVP” status.

Mavs Read to Achieve sponsor, MetroPCS, presented each student with a $5 gift certificate to spend at the Scholastic Book Fair following the ceremony.

Along with the Mavericks, other NBA players will visit schools in their hometowns this month as part of the longstanding partnership between Scholastic and the NBA to promote reading in elementary schools across the nation.

Since 1996, the NBA and Scholastic have teamed up to publish more than 55 children’s books profiling NBA stars. Scholastic Book Fairs features three new NBA children’s books: NBA Reader: Steve Nash traces the life of the popular Phoenix Suns player, while NBA Reader: Fast Forwards and Megastars 2008 include profiles and fun facts about many of today’s top NBA stars.

Brandon, JJ and Big Tex, from MetroPCS, hang out with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Scholastic

JJ and Brandon speak to the kids and their families. Scholastic

JJ and Brandon with some of the honorees. Scholastic

MetroPCS donated $5 giftcards to every student at Hernandez to use at the book fair. Scholastic

JJ & Brandon signed the kids certificates after the awards ceremony. Scholastic

JJ & Brandon pose with Mrs. Casas, the school principal. Scholastic