Get Caught Reading is a nationwide campaign to promote the fun of reading books for all ages. Launched in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers, the initiative is now managed by Every Child a Reader with support from the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation. Supporting well-known figures, including First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Donald Duck, Patty Duke, Billy Graham, Derek Jeter, Dolly Parton, Sammy Sosa, Spider Man, Erik Weihenmayer, and others, have all been "caught reading" their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition, more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed "caught reading" on Capitol Hill. All of these images are available online. Click here to see pictures.

 

Because research indicates that early language experience actually stimulates a child's brain to grow, and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school, we encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives. This Pottawatomie County small restaurant owner pictured below was “caught reading” his Bible during the COVID times when business was slow.

We want to “catch you reading” this month and would love to see any photos of you reading or of anyone you catch in the act! Are there individuals or organizations in your community creatively sharing their love of reading with others, like the picture shown below of a neighborhood book sharing system? Isn’t this a great idea?

Hundreds of teachers and librarians across the U.S. have embraced the campaign, and if your new title includes home school teacher – we want you to embrace it too. You can set up "get caught rReading" corners in the house, allocate special time each day for leisure reading, and take photos of students/ children "caught reading" for our worldwide classroom.