What is the National Education Association's Read Across America?
All kids reading across our great nation in a Dr. Seuss birthday sensation! Now in its fourth year, the National Education Association is calling all of American's children, both young and old, to reward their learning by celebrating the joys of reading with Dr. Seuss on his 87th birthday, March 2, 2001. This year the NEA celebrates Dr. Seuss and children's reading with the theme Oh,The Places You'll Go!

Who will celebrate?
Those who are six, sixteen, sixty-four and more have all kinds of great events in store. Last year, 25 million readers took part in Seussian celebrations both big and small. The Cat in the Hat rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange, the U.S.S. Harry Truman aircraft carrier was transformed into the U.S.S. Readership, and an abundance of teachers, librarians, politicians, actors, sports figures, and just plain folks took time out to enjoy the company of a book and a child. Readers of renown included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, actress Roma Downey, actor James Earl Jones, and actor and children's advocate LeVar Burton, who was the recipient of the NEA's first ever Academy Award.

Heading up this year's Dr. Seuss birthday bash is Read Across America Chairman Morgan Freeman. Spreading the joys of reading is a familiar role for this three-time Academy Award nominee who became known nationally when he created the popular character "Easy Reader" on The Electric Company. Joining Mr. Freeman in showing America's children all the places books can take us is the National Football League's Players Association. NFL players around the country will be issuing reading challenges and reading to children at local events. And there are hundreds of thousands of teachers and librarians who are planning celebrations in their own communities.

Why celebrate Dr. Seuss?
Oh, the places you'll go every day when you read, for in reading you'll find a great way to succeed. Because reading is such a basic life skill, the members of the National Education Association feel we must do everything we can to keep driving home the message that reading is important...and fun! Reading opens the doors to achievement, and Read Across America celebrations -- whether large or small -- are crucial building blocks toward making the joys of reading an integral part of every child's life.

How can I get more information?
There's a Web site night and day. It will help you find your way:
http://www.nea.org/readacross/

Copyright © 2001 Random House, Inc.
All rights reserved.