D.E.A.R. Friends, Welcome to the official “Drop Everything and Read” website—where dropping things (chores, errands, paperwork, staplers . . . okay, maybe not that last one) and reading books is highly encouraged! Our assertion around here is that reading, whether you’r......More
D.E.A.R. Friends, Welcome to the official “Drop Everything and Read” website—where dropping things (chores, errands, paperwork, staplers . . . okay, maybe not that last one) and reading books is highly encouraged! Our assertion around here is that reading, whether you’re on your own or cozied up on the couch with your kids, is so much more fun and rewarding than just about anything else (especially, chores!). So, we’re telling folks of all ages to “drop” what they’re doing and pick up a book, instead. And, what’s more, we’ve packed the pages of this website with reading lists, activity ideas, digital assets, and other resources to get you started and keep you busy. Join us and help spread the love of reading in your home, school, and community all month long in April and beyond! Sincerely, HarperCollins Children’s Books p.s. You may remember that Beverly Cleary wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Since then, “Drop Everything and Read” programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Mrs. Cleary’s birthday. We figured, why not “drop” the “day” and celebrate our beloved author, her timeless stories, and the joy of reading for the full month. So, “drop” by this website all month long in April and anytime you want to make reading a priority! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________Celebrate “Drop Everything and Read” with Beverly ClearyWhat is D.E.A.R.?D.E.A.R. stands for “Drop Everything and Read,” a national month-long celebration of reading designed to remind folks of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives. Because, what’s more fun(damental) than reading, really? When is D.E.A.R. celebrated?D.E.A.R. programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday, since she first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (pages 40-41). Inspired by letters from readers sharing their enthusiasm for the D.E.A.R. activities implemented in their schools, Mrs. Cleary decided to give the same experience to Ramona and her classmates. As D.E.A.R. has grown in popularity and scope, the program has expanded to span the entire month of April . . . offering classrooms and communities additional time to celebrate! Can D.E.A.R. be celebrated anytime?Yes, of course! We encourage you to “Drop Everything and Read” every day throughout the year. The goal of the program is to prompt people to make reading a regular part of their routine . . . whether they’re reading solo or together with their classmates, parents, or friends. So, go ahead and join the millions of families, schools, bookstores, and communities who have participated throughout the years and pledge to “drop” what you’re doing in order to read a good book. How can I participate?As an organization, library, school, or bookstore, you can participate by hosting a “Drop Everything and Read” event at your location (or elsewhere) during the month of April. As an individual, you can participate by attending an event in your community or by reading at home with your children, siblings, or friends. What materials are available for D.E.A.R.?Please visit the “Resources” and “Favorite D.E.A.R. Books” sections of this website to find common core-aligned downloadables, digital assets, activity ideas, reading lists, and more to help you plan, promote, and host your own “Drop Everything and Read” celebration. Where can I find Beverly Cleary’s books for my D.E.A.R. celebration?Parents and children can find Beverly Cleary’s books in their local library or wherever books are sold. Booksellers can call 1.800.C.Harper or fax their order to 1.800.822.4090. Who is leading the D.E.A.R. celebration?Well, as Beverly Cleary has said, “I am honored that D.E.A.R. celebrations go on in my name,” so she’s pretty much the inspiration behind the entire program. But, many folks and organizations who work tirelessly to promote reading, literacy, and learning have joined the movement. The list of participating sponsors includes:National Education Association (NEA)National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library AssociationReading RocketsGeneral Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)Newspaper Association of America Foundation (NAA)First BookRead Kiddo ReadWalden MediaHarperCollins Children’s Bookshttps://web.archive.org/web/20170915213532/http://dropeverythingandread.com/http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/dear
