It's Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) day, a day to do everyone's favorite thing: read! As a little extra incentive, as if you needed it, we're giving all ReadingRewards members 30 bonus points when you place an order today. See details.
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Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary!
What is D.E.A.R. Day?
It stands for Drop Everything And Read, and is a day popularized by Beverly Cleary in her Ramona novels. Cleary strongly believed that if children see themselves accurately and honestly represented in books they could learn to love reading. She became an author to give kids book characters they could actually relate to, which she felt she lacked growing up. D.E.A.R. Day became nationally recognized and given the date of April 12 to honor her birthday and all of the joy she brought children. Schools, libraries, and individuals take this day to drop everything and bask in the joy of a good book, and we have Beverly Cleary to thank.
Vintage 1958: The Luckiest Girl
While Beverly Cleary is most well-known for Ramona and Henry, she has also written a selection of books for teens, including this tale about a love triangle from 1958. In this YA novel, sixteen-year-old Shelley Latham longs for her junior year of high school to be different from the stifling sameness of the years before. When she is sent from Oregon to California to stay with friends of the family for the school year, she gets her wish.
We have several vintage copies printed in 1958 available, the perfect book for a new collector or anyone who appreciates the history of a used book.
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Discover the Best D.E.A.R. Day Books for Every Young Reader
Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day celebrates the joy of independent reading, making it the perfect occasion to introduce children to timeless stories and beloved characters. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian seeking to buy D.E.A.R. Day books, this collection brings together top choices in juvenile fiction, classic chapter books, and engaging read-alouds. Explore used D.E.A.R. Day children's books and classroom resources to inspire students and young readers to fall in love with reading.
Why D.E.A.R. Day Matters: Building Lifelong Readers
D.E.A.R. Day encourages children to pause their busy routines and spend quality, uninterrupted time with a good book. From early elementary to middle-grade readers, the right D.E.A.R. Day books can spark curiosity, empathy, and imagination. This page highlights the best books for D.E.A.R. Day activities, including picture books, read-aloud favorites, chapter books, and collections perfect for home or classroom use.
Top D.E.A.R. Day Picture Books and Read-Aloud Favorites
For younger readers and shared reading moments, Drop Everything and Read picture books and early chapter books set the stage for reading success. These titles offer relatable characters, gentle humor, and stories that kids want to revisit again and again.
- Socks – This endearing story of a mischievous kitten is perfect for read-aloud time, capturing the attention of animal lovers and early readers alike.
- Muggie Maggie – Follow Maggie’s journey as she learns the value of cursive writing in a relatable classroom setting, making it a wonderful pick for D.E.A.R. Day in the early grades.
- Emily's Runaway Imagination – With its lighthearted tale of creativity and small-town life, this book is a delightful introduction to longer stories for young listeners.
Classic Chapter Books: Best D.E.A.R. Day Books for Independent Reading
As readers grow, they crave stories with more depth and adventure. The following D.E.A.R. Day juvenile fiction titles are perennial favorites for independent reading, classroom libraries, and family book clubs:
- The Mouse and the Motorcycle – Ralph the mouse’s spirited adventures offer just the right blend of humor and excitement for elementary readers discovering the joy of chapter books.
- Henry Huggins – Dive into the everyday escapades of Henry and his dog Ribsy, with stories that have charmed generations of readers.
- Ribsy – This canine-centered adventure is perfect for dog lovers and fans of heartfelt, funny stories.
- Henry and Ribsy – Continue the fun with another hilarious tale featuring Henry and his loyal companion, ideal for readers ready to explore more in the series.
- Henry and Beezus – This engaging story highlights friendship and resourcefulness, making it a favorite for group reading or solo exploration.
- Henry and the Clubhouse and Henry and the Paper Route – Both are packed with relatable school-age adventures and gentle lessons about responsibility.
Ramona Quimby: The Heart of D.E.A.R. Day Reading
No D.E.A.R. Day collection would be complete without the beloved Ramona Quimby series. These best D.E.A.R. Day books for classrooms blend humor, empathy, and real-life challenges, making them ideal for both independent reading and classroom discussions.
- Beezus and Ramona – Meet Ramona and her older sister Beezus in this classic exploration of sibling dynamics and childhood mischief.
- Ramona the Pest – Ramona’s first days of kindergarten are filled with memorable moments, making this a top D.E.A.R. Day picture book for early elementary readers.
- Ramona Quimby, Age 8 – This installment delves into Ramona’s experiences as she navigates third grade and growing up, resonating deeply with young readers.
- Ramona the Brave – Celebrate courage and self-discovery as Ramona faces new challenges at home and school.
- Ramona and Her Mother and Ramona and Her Father – These books explore family relationships with warmth and humor, perfect for D.E.A.R. Day read-aloud favorites.
- Ramona Forever and Ramona's World – As Ramona grows, these stories tackle new milestones, friendships, and family changes, making them wonderful reads for older elementary students.
- The Ramona Quimby Collection and The Ramona Collection, Vol. 1 – These box sets are ideal D.E.A.R. Day classroom resources, providing hours of engaging stories in one package.
Building D.E.A.R. Day Activities with Classroom Resources
Teachers and group leaders looking for the best books for D.E.A.R. Day activities will find these titles especially useful for in-class reading, book clubs, or take-home assignments:
- Dear Mr. Henshaw – This Newbery Medal winner is a favorite for older elementary students, exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-expression through engaging diary entries and letters.
- A Girl from Yamhill – For readers interested in real-life stories, this memoir by Beverly Cleary adds a personal touch to D.E.A.R. Day and offers insights into the author’s own childhood.
- Henry and Ribsy Pack: Henry Huggins / Henry and Ribsy – Perfect for classrooms or family reading, this set encourages kids to dive into multiple adventures and compare favorite characters.
- The Ralph Mouse Collection – This trilogy, including The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Runaway Ralph, and Ralph S. Mouse, is a high-energy option for reluctant readers or those who love animal adventures.
Choosing the Right D.E.A.R. Day Books by Age and Interest
Selecting the top D.E.A.R. Day picture books and juvenile fiction for your reader can depend on age, reading level, and interests. Here's a quick guide to help you find D.E.A.R. Day read-aloud books and independent reads:
- For Early Elementary (Ages 6-8):
- For Middle to Upper Elementary (Ages 8-12):
- For Family or Group Reading:
Why Choose Used D.E.A.R. Day Books?
Buying used D.E.A.R. Day books is an eco-friendly, budget-conscious way to build a classroom or home library. ThriftBooks offers a wide selection of gently loved titles, allowing you to find D.E.A.R. Day read-aloud books and classroom resources without breaking the bank. Whether you’re searching for a single favorite or stocking up on the best books for D.E.A.R. Day activities, shopping used means more stories for every reader.
Get Started: Find Your Next D.E.A.R. Day Favorite
Ready to inspire a love of reading? Explore this collection to find D.E.A.R. Day books that match every reader’s age, interest, and reading level. From the mischievous adventures of Ramona the Pest and the heartwarming friendship in Henry and Beezus, to the imaginative escapades in The Mouse and the Motorcycle, there’s something for every reader to enjoy. Drop everything and read—your next adventure awaits!
