D.E.A.R. Day, or Drop Everything and Read Day, is an annual celebration observed on April 12. True to its name, this holiday encourages everyone to set aside a substantial portion of the day for reading. The chosen date coincides with the birthday of Beverly Cleary, a highly esteemed American author who originated the concept of D.E.A.R. This celebration persists in the United States and remains a beloved tradition, particularly among school students.

Purpose and Significance of D.E.A.R. Day

The primary goals of D.E.A.R. Day are to:

• Promote Reading for Pleasure: Encourage people to read for enjoyment, highlighting the importance of reading as a lifelong habit.
• Inspire a Love of Books: Foster a love of books in children and young adults, helping them discover the joy and benefits of reading.
• Build Literacy Skills: Support literacy and education by emphasizing the value of reading as a tool for learning and personal growth.

History and Origins of D.E.A.R. Day

Drop Everything and Read Day is inspired by the beloved children’s book "Ramona Quimby, Age 8" by Beverly Cleary, in which the character Ramona learns about D.E.A.R. from her teacher. Beverly Cleary, an award-winning author, introduced the concept of D.E.A.R. as a way to encourage children to read more and to enjoy it. Since then, the idea has been embraced by schools, libraries, and communities across the United States.

D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated every year on April 12th, which is also Beverly Cleary’s birthday, making it a special tribute to her contributions to children’s literature.

Why Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day?

• To Encourage Reading Habits: Celebrate the importance of reading by making it a priority, even if just for a short time each day.
• To Engage with Books: Provide an opportunity for children and adults to engage with books and stories they might not otherwise make time for.
• To Build Community Around Reading: Schools, libraries, and community centers often organize D.E.A.R. Day events, creating a shared experience around reading.

How to Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day

1. Drop Everything and Read: Set aside time in your day to stop whatever you are doing and read a book, magazine, or any other material of your choice. This could be a few minutes or an hour, depending on your schedule.
2. Organize a Reading Event: Schools and libraries often host D.E.A.R. Day events where students and community members come together to read. Consider organizing a similar event in your community or workplace.
3. Read Aloud to Others: Share the joy of reading by reading aloud to children, friends, or family members. This is a great way to bond over stories and introduce others to the pleasure of reading.
4. Visit a Library or Bookstore: Spend time at your local library or bookstore, exploring new books and finding something new to read. Many libraries have special programs or displays for D.E.A.R. Day.
5. Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #DEARDay to share your reading experience, favorite books, or photos of your D.E.A.R. activities. Encourage others to join in the celebration.

Benefits of Reading

• Improves Literacy Skills: Regular reading helps develop vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
• Enhances Imagination and Creativity: Reading fiction allows readers to explore different worlds, perspectives, and ideas, fostering creativity and imagination.
• Reduces Stress: Reading can be a relaxing activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing a mental escape from daily pressures.
• Builds Empathy: Through stories, readers can experience life from different viewpoints, increasing empathy and understanding for others.

Popular Books for D.E.A.R. Day

• For Young Children: "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.
• For Middle Grade Readers: "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling, "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio.
• For Young Adults: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry.
• For Adults: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Importance of Reading in Early Childhood

• Language Development: Reading aloud to young children helps with language development, introducing them to new words and sentence structures.
• Bonding Time: Reading together provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to bond with their children, creating lasting memories.
• Foundation for Learning: Early exposure to books and reading sets the foundation for future academic success and a lifelong love of learning.

The Role of Schools and Libraries in D.E.A.R. Day

• School Participation: Many schools incorporate D.E.A.R. Day into their curriculum, encouraging students to bring a book from home or choose one from the school library to read during designated times.
• Library Events: Libraries often host special storytimes, reading challenges, and activities related to D.E.A.R. Day, promoting reading within the community.
• Teacher Involvement: Teachers can use D.E.A.R. Day to inspire students to read more by setting aside class time for independent reading and discussing the books afterward.

Why People Love D.E.A.R. Day

• Promotes a Culture of Reading: D.E.A.R. Day encourages people to make reading a priority, even if just for a short period, fostering a culture of literacy and learning.
• Accessible to Everyone: This day is for readers of all ages and backgrounds, making it an inclusive celebration that anyone can participate in.
• Celebrates the Joy of Reading: D.E.A.R. Day reminds us of the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book and the value of making time for reading in our busy lives.

National Drop Everything and Read Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy and importance of reading, whether you're picking up a favorite book, discovering a new author, or sharing stories with others. It's a day to put aside distractions, immerse yourself in the world of literature, and inspire others to do the same.