NEA's Read Across America

Get Ready to Drop Everything and Read!

This year, on April 12, 2006, we're celebrating National "Drop Everything and Read" Day, a partnership with the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA); the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association; Reading Rockets; and HarperCollins Children's Books. The aim of this nationwide initiative is to encourage families to designate a special time to "drop everything and read" and take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together.

April 12, 2006, is the 90th birthday of beloved Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, and it is the official date for D.E.A.R. Day. Cleary's most popular children's book character, Ramona Quimby, is the program's official spokesperson.

Teachers can obtain a number of downloadable D.E.A.R. materials, including "How To Host a National D.E.A.R. Day Celebration," D.E.A.R. ideas, and reproducible stickers, flyers, and logos. In addition, you can download and create "My D.E.A.R. Family Album," that will capture your family's reading heritage. For more details, go to www.dropeverythingandread.com.