Read Across America Day

Happy Read Across America Day! And happy birthday to Dr. Suess!

I came across the Reader's Oath on the National Education Association's web site. It is meant to inspire children to become lifelong readers. But I think it works for adults too. Too many of my friends and family have abandoned reading for pleasure as grown ups. They say they're too busy, but how can you be too busy for books? The idea is terribly sad to me. I just might send them this oath and try to get them reading again.

Reader's Oath

I promise to read
Each day and each night.
I know it's the key
To growing up right.

I'll read to myself,
I'll read to a crowd.
It makes no difference
If silent or loud.

I'll read at my desk,
At home and at school,
On my bean bag or bed,
By the fire or pool.

Each book that I read
Puts smarts in my head,
'Cause brains grow more thoughts
The more they are fed.

So I take this oath
To make reading my way
Of feeding my brain
What it needs every day.

-Debra Angstead, Missouri-NEA

Have a great weekend filled with books!