National Young Readers Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Young Readers Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Young Readers Week is observed on November 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Young Readers Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about National Young Readers Week.

📅 What day is National Young Readers Week 2024?

In 2024, National Young Readers Week is on Tuesday, November 14th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in November; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all fascinating details and facts about November 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Young Readers Week, held annually in the second week of November, is a perfect occasion for young readers to discover the joy of books. It is a great time to expose your children to the world of literature and expand their vocabulary. Regardless of the book they choose, reading can teach kids between 4,000 and 12,000 new words each year. This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of reading and provides an excellent opportunity to instill a deep love for books in your children. Celebrate Young Readers Week by introducing your kids to the pleasures of reading and literacy. Rest assured, this lesson will have a lasting impact on their lives and benefit them in the long run.

📜 National Young Readers Week History

In 1984, Pizza Hut’s office in Wichita, Kansas, created the well-known “BOOK IT!” campaign after being encouraged by US President Ronald Reagan to become more involved in education. The president of Pizza Hut at the time, Arthur Gunther, was inspired by his son, Michael, who had difficulties with reading due to vision problems. Arthur collaborated with educators in Kansas to come up with a plan that would incentivize children to read by offering them pizza as a reward.

The “BOOK IT!” campaign is now the largest and most long-standing corporate-sponsored reading initiative. From October to March, if a student meets their monthly reading goal, they receive a Reading Award Certificate and a free Personal Pan Pizza with one topping.

After piloting the program in Kansas schools, it was made available statewide in 1985. Since then, the initiative has reached over 14 million children in 620,000 schools. The success of the program led to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton expressing their gratitude.

In 1989, Pizza Hut expanded the “BOOK IT!” program by organizing a week-long reading event called National Young Readers Week. During this event, local personalities, including school administrators, visited schools to emphasize the importance of reading to children. This event was developed in collaboration with the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book. Pizza Hut challenged school administrators to dedicate one day to reading extensively, from the first bell to the last, to serve as role models for literacy during National Young Readers Week.

✅ National Young Readers Week Facts

🔖 It encourages independence
As children become independent readers, they experience a gratifying sense of achievement. This milestone not only empowers them to choose their own reading material but also nurtures their unique interests, allowing them to explore beyond their parents’ preferences.

🔖 It makes their brains grow faster
While reading may not directly cause physical growth in your child’s brain, it can play a supportive role in brain development. Engaging in activities such as reading to your child or teaching them to read can have a positive impact on their brain function and enhance their cognitive abilities.

🔖 A reading child is a confident child
Reading helps children develop confidence as it exposes them to situations that require problem-solving, teaching them effective strategies to tackle challenges.

👍 Why Is National Young Readers Week Important

We love pizza, and we love it even more when it’s free. During National Young Readers Week, exactly like the original “BOOK IT!” initiative, you may reward avid young readers with a delectable slice of their favorite pizza.

The value of reading cannot be overstated. It’s not a cliche to say that readers are better learners and leaders.

National Young Readers Week is one of many enjoyable methods to teach children about reading. Reading challenges allow children to bond with their parents and school leaders while also teaching them that reading frequently results in rewards. In 2016, a Pennsylvania school principal dressed up as Batman and read to students from the roof.

🙂 How To Observe National Young Readers Week

⚡ Donate books to the local school library

⚡ Buy a book for your child
What a great way to honor National Young Readers Week than by buying a book (or even 50 books) for your child? Research shows that children who have access to their own home library, even with just 20 books, gain an additional three years of education compared to those without any books at home. Consider purchasing a new book for your child each week and setting reading goals for them.

⚡ Read your child something
There are far too many libraries that are underfunded. Donate some books to your local school library this week to celebrate the benefits of literacy. You may donate in cash or in kind, and you will be transforming the lives of hundreds of children.

📅 When is National Young Readers Week?

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We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Young Readers Week. So be sure to check back soon.