It's Read Across America Day

The National Education Association launched Read Across America Day in 1998, and chose March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday, as a way to get students excited about reading.

This year, the NEA, a group of more than 3.2 million educators, and several literacy and youth groups are calling on book lovers around the nation to take up The Lorax, the popular Dr. Seuss children's book published in 1971 about the lovable creature who fights to save the environment.

Towns and school systems across the country will host activities that bring attention to reading.

Annie E. Vinton Elementary School plans to celebrate Seuss' birthday by inviting students, staff and faculty to wear red and yellow.

Share your plans for celebrating Read Across America Day with Patch in the comments box below or on the Read Across America pledge site. The NEA and The Lorax's publisher, Random House, also have lesson plans and lots of other materials, resources and printable activities for teachers, parents and kids.