Our nation's Seuss sensation

NEA Today, Feb 1999

NEA's second Read Across America celebration promises to be bigger and better than the first.

Last year, an estimated 10 million children celebrated reading on Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, making Read Across America the largest reading event this country has ever seen.

NEA members and event organizers predict that this year's celebration will be bigger, better, and brassier than last year's event. That's a safe bet, given the following:

Rare Dares: Last year, no one was eating worms. This year, a Tennessee principal has challenged his students: Read 10,000 books and he'll eat what will feel like 10,000 worms.

Last year, a few big city mayors read with children. This year, one big city mayor is finalizing plans for a cold March swim to reward students for meeting his reading challenge.

Community Unity: Last year, the honor society at Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado, read with first graders. This year, students from the entire high school are making plans to read with thousands of elementary students in their area. And they're organizing high school students statewide to follow their lead. Last year, in Culpepper, Virginia, eight hearty volunteers organized a community spaghetti dinner and reading celebration with a special Pin the Tail on the Cat game for 500 townspeople. This year, dozens of people have already volunteered to pitch in.

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, last year, business leaders from the Exchange Club read in all the city's first grade classes. This year, they'll do it again-and give a book to every first grader in town.

Star Reader Leaders: Last year, Kirk Douglas taped a reading of Oh, the Places You'll Go! for school children. This year, having more fully recovered from his stroke, he plans to read live and in person. Last year, at the last minute, James Earl Jones recorded a public service announcement for Read Across America. This year, it will air on hundreds of radio stations beginning February 1.

Last year, children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola donated one illustrated certificate of participation to Read Across America. This year, there are two.

Last year, only one Cat in the Hat traveled up and down the East Coast promoting Read Across America. This year, seven Cats will prowl the nation in February.

Reaching a Diverse Universe: At the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts in California, performers will read Seuss and other children's books in a bunch of different languages. Going global, a Florida middle school has made plans to read with a South African middle school via the Internet.

The United Neighborhood Organizations of Chicago are raising money so the 7,000 Hispanic families they serve will have special celebrations. Fizz from Biz: Last year, a few community book stores held special events. This year, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Target are encouraging all of their stores to mark Dr. Seuss's birthday and Read Across America with reading celebrations. And Grolier, Random House, and Scholastic, Inc., will join the fun.

Last year, the Denver Post and perhaps a dozen other newspapers joined the celebration. This year, the Newspaper Association of America is encouraging hundreds of its members to join in.

This year, Saturn workers are inviting children to their plant to deliver a crystal-clear message: Today's assembly line jobs require good reading skills.

Cry-and Try-Again: Last year, the Navy arranged for sailors from the USS Eisenhower to read The Cat in the Hat to local kids. But, at the last minute, the Eisenhower had to pay a visit to Saadam Hussein. This year, perhaps Saadam will behave. Last year, students from the Cherokee Nation arranged for a few skydivers to join their outdoor reading celebration. Heavy winds forced a cancellation. This year, the skydivers will try, try again.

Whether you're planning to jump out of a plane, eat worms, or just read one book with one child, NEA and Dr. Seuss's family salute your efforts to generate new enthusiasm for reading among America's children.

What You Can Do

Here's how you can join the party: Visit the Web at www.neorg/ readacross, sign the pledge, and let NEA-and the local mediaknow what you're planning.

Recruit your friends and family for March 2 reading events. Stock up on "Seuss devices at wholesale prices." For hats and other Seuss paraphernalia, go online to www.nea.org/readacross/ catalogue.html.