- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesBooksEducational
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 12
- Holiday emoji:
- 📚
D.E.A.R. Day invites everyone to drop their tasks and read a book every April 12. This annual celebration, inspired by author Beverly Cleary, encourages a love for reading across all ages. Grab a favorite novel, visit your local library, or start a new story today!
Want to sponsor D.E.A.R. Day? Learn how
Expected D.E.A.R. Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that D.E.A.R. Day often brings exciting deals from major retailers. Look for discounts on popular titles and e-readers from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Digital platforms like Audible and Libby may offer free audiobooks or extended trial periods. Educational publishers such as Scholastic and HarperCollins often promote special bundles for schools and families. Local bookstores, like Powell’s Books, are also likely to host in-store events and offer special promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for D.E.A.R. Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DEARDay. Share photos of your current read, a cozy reading nook, or your favorite book recommendations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DEARDay. Join reading groups, share stories about how reading has impacted you, or organize a virtual book club.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DEARDay. Film a ‘drop everything and read’ challenge, review a book in 60 seconds, or showcase your book collection.
D.E.A.R. Day Hero
Beverly Cleary
History of D.E.A.R. Day
Although the current national celebration of D.E.A.R. Day is relatively recent, it has older origins. Several schools across the U.S. and abroad are observing this annual remembrance and implementing several activities in the curriculum to honor this special day. The concept was first developed in one of Cleary’s books. In her book, “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” a nationwide initiative of the same name begins, during which families dedicate 30 minutes to reading, putting aside all distractions.
An earlier version of the Drop Everything and Read celebration was held as a reading activity for schoolchildren in the U.S. as early as the 1960s. These activities were not held on specific dates and were mainly school activities. This, in part, inspired Cleary to turn this activity into a national celebration in many of her novels.
D.E.A.R. Day was established in 2006 by publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books, in collaboration with the National Education Association and other educational institutions, to commemorate American author Cleary’s 90th birthday. The observance was first intended as a reading celebration to promote silent, sustained reading as a school activity.
D.E.A.R. Day activities are no longer the same as they were previously. Cleary’s writings are responsible for much of the significance and celebrations associated with this observance. The various activities planned for this day are a fitting tribute to Ramona Quimby’s nationwide campaign.
D.E.A.R. Day timeline
William Morrow publishes the first book in the “Ramona Quimby” series.
Cleary publishes the first “Ramona Quimby” book to develop the D.E.A.R. nationwide campaign, entitled “Ramona Quimby, Age 8.”
HarperCollins organizes the first D.E.A.R. Day in celebration of Cleary’s 90th birthday.
Cleary celebrates her 100th birthday, going strong, and becoming an icon of American literature.
D.E.A.R. Day FAQs
When is D.E.A.R. Day?
In 2027, D.E.A.R. Day is observed on Monday, April 12, making it an ideal occasion for schools and workplaces to incorporate reading into their day.
Who created D.E.A.R. Day?
The concept of ‘Drop Everything and Read’ was popularized by Beverly Cleary’s books, inspiring a nationwide movement to encourage reading. The annual observance on April 12 honors her enduring legacy.
How many people participate in D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. Day sees widespread participation across American schools and libraries, with countless individuals also embracing the spirit of reading at home. It’s a grassroots movement fostering literacy.
What is the purpose of D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. Day aims to highlight the importance of reading for pleasure and education. By encouraging people to ‘drop everything and read,’ it underscores the value of uninterrupted time with a book.
D.E.A.R. Day Activities
Dedicate a time for reading
It is the main activity and the most important thing to do to celebrate this day. There are numerous classics and contemporary bestsellers to choose from, but make sure to read a Cleary novel.
Take part in activities
Most schools and public libraries will hold some sort of celebration or communal activity. These events are frequently of general interest and open to the public, and they can be an engaging and rewarding experience.
Host a reading group
This is often a long-term project, but initiating one on D.E.A.R. Day is ideal. This will give you the opportunity to constantly read books and discuss them with other group members. You can also become a member of a book club.
5 Incredible Facts About Books And Reading
Reading reduces stress
Reading helps us focus on a specific simple task, which can significantly reduce stress.
Readers live longer
According to many studies, regular reading is correlated with a longer lifespan.
The longest book ever written
The longest book ever written is “In Search of Lost Time” by Marcel Proust, which contains over 3,000 pages.
Many types of reading
There are many ways of reading, including silent sustained reading and fast and extensive reading, with each method being distinct.
Reading builds knowledge
Reading can often be a source of entertainment; however, reading is the main way we humans gather knowledge nowadays.
Why We Love D.E.A.R. Day
Reading is fun
Reading can teleport you from a fast-paced pirate adventure to a super-advanced space civilization to a relaxed, romantic retreat. It’s basically magic.
It helps children have a better future
Regular reading from a young age can significantly help a child's lifelong education as one of the most common and important learning methods. Reading can improve one's cognitive abilities in addition to providing numerous psychological benefits.
It is the best way to learn
Reading is a very intimate activity. By reading, we learn life lessons, discover new things about the world or engage our imagination. Books and literature have something to offer for all our reading needs.
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