Read Across America

2007 Highlights

Kids Pack Libraries As Part of NEA's Read Across Philadelphia

(l-r) NEA Executive Committee member Michael Marks and NEA Secretary-Treasurer Lily Eskelsen read Dr. Seuss classic "Green Eggs and Ham" during NEA's Read Across Philadelphia to get kids excited about summer reading. Credit: © 2007 Photo by Sabina Louise Pierce. Courtesy of the National Education Association. All Rights Reserved.

Instead of packing movie theaters, hundreds of children gathered today at the Free Library of Philadelphia and all its 54 branch libraries where reading out loud was not only encouraged—but celebrated—on the first ever Read Across Philadelphia Day, sponsored by NEA, Philadelphia Reads and the Free Library of Philadelphia with donations from Target. Read more >

Happy 10th Anniversary!

Judging by the number of pledges that were received, the 10th Anniversary of NEA's Read Across America—the nation's largest reading celebration—has become bigger and better than ever. Around the nation, reading celebrations big and small have put the joy of reading center stage. From weeklong Seussian celebrations to high school poetry jams, NEA members have made this a record year for reading. Check out the pledge pages. And, since this is a year-round event, you can still tell us what you're doing for RAA.

Take a look at how NEA helped children get excited about reading! Plus, see how the Houston Astros celebrated reading with 300 kids during spring training.

Watch a video of how we grew the nation's largest reading event. [Broadband, 6:45]

 You can also watch another videohighlighting Read Across America events during NEA's 2007 Representative Assembly. [Broadband, 3:56]

Read Across America's Red Carpet Event

(l-r): Tennis superstar Serena Williams with Kenny Adams and Nicole Villa. Photo by Dima Gavrysh.

NEA's Read Across America celebrated a decade of getting youngsters excited about reading on Friday, March 2, with a star-studded event at the historic New York Public Library. Tennis champion Serena Williams and Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera were among the celebrities who led 250 students from New York public schools in a morning reading spectacular dubbed, "Reading on the Red Carpet," sponsored by NEA and Target. Read more >

NEA's Cat-a-Van Reading Tour Partners with Saturn/UAW

Driving the need to read, NEA's Cat-a-Van reading tour partnered with Saturn/UAW who provided new Saturn Outlook SUVs decked out in red and white and marked with Read Across America and Saturn logos. The tour made stops in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to bring the gift of reading to thousands of students. In addition to an estimated 11,000 books, cash donations of $17,000 were also presented to public school libraries in need. Read more >

The Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday

Find out the story behind The Cat in the Hat and how you can support literacy in your classroom. You can also enter the Cat's 50th Birthday National Educator Contest. It's all in the new teacher activity guide.