Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved to read. Being an introvert makes it easy to become completely absorbed and joyfully immersed in the pages of a good book. My Saturday trips to Barnes & Noble reflect a deep personal appreciation for literacy, which is why I value Read Across America for its dedication to promoting the essential role of reading in our lives.
Read Across America was launched in 1997 by the National Education Association, and it was first celebrated in March 1998. The initiative was created to address concerns about declining reading engagement among children, promote literacy nationwide and to encourage families and communities to read with children.
For many years, the initiative was centered around Dr. Seuss’ books and characters. In recent years, the NEA expanded its focus beyond Dr. Seuss, and the program now promotes diverse authors, cultures, and inclusive books…