In honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday, D.E.A.R. programs have been held nationwide on April 12 since she first wrote about “DEAR” in her book Ramona Quimby, Age 8. The national celebration of reading reminds people of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives.

On Tuesday, April 12, several schools across the district will “Drop Everything And Read,” according to Marco Zannier Virginillo, program director for library services. He stated that campus information literacy specialists (school librarians) and principals would host events and activities to promote reading for enjoyment and highlight the importance of reading. The observation has another staunch supporter — Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. 

“It doesn’t matter how old a child is, if a child is one month old, or if they are 18 years old, or if it’s your college-aged student that’s 21 years old, reading is just so important,” said Goffney.” It gives you an opportunity to really learn more about the life around you and learn about new things. D.E.A.R. Day is a great way to remind students about the value of reading.”

Let’s Us Know What Your Are Reading: #AldineReads

Whether or not you are taking part in a D.E.A.R. Day event, we would love to see what you are reading! On D.E.A.R. Day, share your images on social media using the hashtag #AldineReads. If you are having a hard time deciding what book to read for D.E.A.R. day (or any other time), look at the Primary/Elementary level and Secondary level lists and see if you can find something interesting.

More About Beverly Cleary

Beverly Cleary wrote her first book in 1950. Before she became an author, the former librarian worked in a book store and wished there were more books for children to enjoy reading. Not seeing many writers targeting children, she set out to do so. She wrote more than 40 books before passing away at 104 on March 25, 2021.

No matter how the times and the world changed, Cleary always said that kids’ inner feelings pretty much stay the same. She created memorable characters, like Ramona and her older sister Beezus. Cleary’s characters taught kids that it’s okay to dance to your own beat; taught girls to make a brave demand: Love me for how I am. Cleary made kids feel that it was okay to be different, be anything, and maybe break a rule now and again. Her books have been translated into 29 different languages.