"Read Across America" Day!

If you visit an elementary school today you may see a teacher cooking up a batch of green eggs (hey, I've done it!), a principal on a school roof to honor the achievement of a school reading challenge, or athletes, celebrities, mayors, and business people reading to children. All for the purpose of motivating children to read.

Happy "Read Across America" Day! Today communities throughout the country are celebrating the joys of reading. Sponsored by the National Education Asssociation, "Read Across America" was created to focus awareness on the importance of reading. Now in its eleventh year, "Read Across America" is held on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. For more information visit http://www.nea.org/grants/13003.htm

Studies show that the number one way to ensure children's success in school is to read aloud to them. When I talk about reading aloud to children, I usually discuss reading to preschoolers. But today, on this special "reading" day, I want to address the importance of reading aloud to children in elementary school--children who are either learning to read or know how to read. Regardless of their ability to read to themselves, children are never too old to enjoy listening to a book read by a parent or other adult. Years ago, thanks to six-year-old Kristin, I learned the importance of reading aloud to school-age children.

Kristin's parents approached me in the children's area of the library and told me they were convinced their first grade daughter knew how to read. Her teacher agreed. But Kristin remained adamant: she couldn't read. At last, with tear-filled eyes, Kristin admitted to her parents, "I can read, but I'm scared. Are you going to stop reading to me now?"

Kristin isn't alone. Many beginning readers share her fear. Parents have read to them from birth. But now that they possess the ability to read to themselves, these young readers are afraid they'll lose the joy of sharing books with their parents. Reading aloud to children helps reinforce the reading skills they're learning in school. Regardless of age, there is a bonding that comes through the sharing of a good story; whether it's weeping over the ending to Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, or giggling at Ramona's escapades in Ramona the Pest by Beverly Clearly. Books also trigger wonderful family discussions.

Below are just a few of the many, many novels that are great read-alouds for school-age children. I chose some titles that may be new to you. Ask your library or bookstore staff for additional recommendations.

• Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
• Frindle by Andrew Clements
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Stewart
• Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm
• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
• Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell
• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

These are a few of my favorites. What novels do you enjoy reading to school-age children?

Happy Reading!