The largest statewide book festival in the history of Texas will take place on April 12th. The D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) event will involve twenty-four cities, thirty book stores and eighty-six authors including yours truly.
D.E.A.R. programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday, since she first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (pages 40-41). Inspired by letters from readers sharing their enthusiasm for the D.E.A.R. activities implemented in their schools, Mrs. Cleary decided to give the same experience to Ramona and her classmates. As D.E.A.R. has grown in popularity and scope, the program has expanded to span the entire month of April, offering classrooms and communities additional time to celebrate!
Many folks and organizations who work tirelessly to promote reading, literacy, and learning have joined the movement. The list of participating sponsors includes: National Education Association (NEA) National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association Reading Rockets General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Newspaper Association of America Foundation (NAA) First Book Read Kiddo Read Walden Media HarperCollins Children’s Books.
In Texas, the program is being sponsored by Joe’s Crab Shack, Barnes and Noble and the C-Spot Magazine.
Jump on board and join in this nationwide event. If you are in Austin, Texas on April 12th, find your favorite book store and visit the authors who are there reading and selling their books.
I will be at Malvern’s Book Store on Sunday afternoon, April 12th!
For more information, click here
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