Read Across America Day 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, March 3. This annual observation is traditionally observed as close as possible to March 2 in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Dr. Seuss would have celebrated his 119th birthday this year. Read Across America highlights the importance of fostering a love of reading among children and teens, emphasizing its role in their academic and personal growth.

Reading is more than recognizing words on a page — it is about comprehension, critical thinking, and expanding one’s perspective. Reading improves cognitive skills, strengthens concentration, and fuels imagination, allowing young readers to explore new ideas, cultures, and worlds beyond their own. A passion for reading is a lifelong gift that nurtures curiosity and provides a meaningful escape from everyday life.

Read Across America was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to honor Dr. Seuss and his contributions to children’s literature. Initially, schools across the country marked the occasion by reading his books. Over time, the NEA has expanded Read Across America’s focus to include a diverse range of books and authors, while still recognizing Dr Seuss’ impact.

Many of us immediately recognize the name Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss’ real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel. Dr. Seuss served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, rising to the rank of colonel. In 1984, he became the first author of children’s books to receive the Pulitzer Prize. To further commemorate his legacy, Dr. Seuss was honored with a memorial, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, in Springfield, Massachusetts, which features sculptures of him and many of his characters.

Schools across the country celebrate Read Across America in various ways. Some may put aside a few minutes each day for classroom reading, while others may plan a full week of activities dedicated to literacy. Regardless of the approach, the goal is to open young minds to the endless possibilities that reading provides.

Another key objective of Read Across America is to encourage parents and caregivers to engage in reading with their children. Whether you read to your child or have them read aloud to you, discussing books together fosters curiosity and strengthens literacy skills. Take the time to talk with your child and learn which topics interest them, as this will not only enhance their learning but also create meaningful moments together.

For those interested in making a difference, consider volunteering at local schools or libraries to read to children. Whether you’re a student, parent, grandparent, or community leader, the joy on a child’s face as they listen to a story is a rewarding experience.

Having personally participated in school reading programs, I have found these interactions to be both enjoyable and insightful. Children’s curiosity and the questions they ask never fail to amaze me.

One of Dr. Seuss’ quotes that sums up Read Across America is: “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” ###