“I don’t like green eggs and ham.” The children say in unison as the teacher finishes scrambling eggs for each student.
March 2nd marks Read Across America Day, and Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The tradition began in 1998, when the National Education Association chose the date to honor the birthday of Dr. Seuss. What started as a tribute to the author who gave people the Lorax, the Grinch, and so many childhood memories has grown into something bigger, a moment to think about what reading means today.
For a lot of people, Dr. Seuss was the doorway into reading. His playful rhymes and silly stories made learning to read feel less like a chore and more like a game. Books like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham” showed that stories could be fun, weird, and still teach people something. But as conversations about representation have evolved, so has Read Across America Day. While we still appreciate Seuss’s impact, the celebration now highlights the importance of diverse books. Stories that reflect the wide range of experiences, cultures, and identities in our world.
Today’s version of Read Across America is about making sure every child can find themselves in a book. Reading isn’t just about sounding out words, it’s about understanding people, and seeing life through someone else’s eyes. When students read stories from different voices and backgrounds, they’re not just practicing literacy they’re expanding their view of the world. For high schoolers, the day is a reminder that reading doesn’t end when you outgrow picture books. In a world full of quick videos and short posts, the deep focus that books require has become a kind of superpower.
Whether you are revisiting a childhood favorite or diving into a new novel, March 2nd is an invitation to go back to reading. It’s a chance to celebrate the imagination of Dr. Seuss while also lifting up the next generation of storytellers. So grab a book and read across America because, as the doctor himself said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know.” Books are education and should be embraced every day.
