Let’s be honest — it’s not always easy to get a tween to drop everything. Except maybe for snacks. Or a screen. But books? That can take a little extra magic.

Enter D.E.A.R. Day — a glorious, no-excuses moment where kids (and grown-ups, too!) pause their busy schedules and Drop Everything and Read. Held annually on April 12th in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday (you know, the legendary author behind Ramona Quimby), D.E.A.R. Day is all about pressing pause and getting lost in a story.

It’s the perfect opportunity to remind tweens that reading isn’t just homework — it can be thrilling, silly, cozy, mysterious, or laugh-out-loud fun. And at Once Upon a Book Club, we’re all about turning reading into an unforgettable experience — one gift-wrapped surprise at a time. So, if you’re looking for creative ways to encourage your tween to join in on the fun, keep reading (see what we did there? 😉).

Why D.E.A.R. Day is Perfect for Tweens

Tweens are in that magical space between childhood and the teenage years — full of curiosity, budding independence, and creative energy. D.E.A.R. Day is a fabulous way to support all of that. It gives them permission (and a fun reason) to pause the noise of everyday life and dive headfirst into another world.

Reading helps tweens relax, build focus, expand their vocabulary, and develop empathy — not to mention that all-important imagination muscle. And when tweens are given the space and freedom to read what they enjoy, they’re much more likely to develop a lifelong love of books.

Even better? When D.E.A.R. Day is framed as something fun rather than forced, it becomes something they look forward to. That’s where a little creativity — and a Once Upon a Book Club box — comes in!

 

Fun and Practical Tips to Motivate Your Tween

Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Let’s start with the space. Because let’s face it: nobody wants to read while slouched on a hard dining chair under flickering overhead lights. Create a dedicated reading nook your tween can retreat to on D.E.A.R. Day (and any other day they feel like escaping into a story).

All you need is a soft blanket, a few pillows, a reading light, and maybe even a small bookshelf or basket filled with current favorites or an amazing OUABC Tween Book Box (yes, we have some fantastic ready-to-ship boxes available right now!). Add a cup of hot chocolate or some themed snacks, and voilà, you’ve just created bookish heaven. Let them help decorate it to their taste, whether that means galaxy lights, their favorite fandom posters, or a “Do Not Disturb—I’m Reading!” sign.

 

Pick Engaging Books

It goes without saying: the right book makes all the difference. When tweens get their hands on stories that truly speak to them, they don’t need much convincing to read. That’s where Once Upon a Book Club’s Tween book boxes shine.

Our curated book boxes include middle-grade titles that are fun, adventurous, and just the right amount of challenging. Some of our recent favorites include:

• The Leopard Behind the Moon by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev – Featured in our July 2023 "Village of Magic" box, this captivating tale follows a young boy on a mystical journey in his village, blending reality with folklore.
  
  

• Trouble in the Stars by Sarah Prineas – Included in our October 2023 "The Shapeshifter" box, this thrilling adventure features a shape-shifting protagonist on the run, discovering the true meaning of friendship and identity.
  
  

• The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder – Part of our November 2024 "Finding the Ringmaster" box, this enchanting story invites readers into a magical circus, exploring themes of belonging and wonder.

Bonus? Each box includes an exciting story, wonderful activities, and surprise gifts that are unwrapped at key points in the story. Which brings us to…

Add Interactive Activities

If your tween likes to stay active, why not turn D.E.A.R. Day into a reading adventure? Turn chapters into challenges. Create quizzes, trivia games, or a scavenger hunt where clues are found in the story. You can even get crafty with character sketching or themed drawing prompts based on the book’s setting or plot.

You can also offer little incentives, like “Read 20 pages and unlock your next surprise gift” (psst—we’ve already wrapped it for you!).

Tweens love when their reading time turns into a game or challenge, especially when there’s a tangible reward involved!

Introduce the Gift-Linked Reading Experience

This is the secret sauce: Once Upon a Book Club’s gift-linked reading format. Our boxes are designed to create an immersive, interactive experience where tweens don’t just read the story, they live it. Yes, as we say, “Bringing stories to life, the Once Upon a Book Club way!”

Each box comes with a newly released book and a series of surprise gifts, each wrapped and labeled with a page number. As they read, they get to open each gift at just the right moment and experience a key part of the story in real life.

One moment, they’re reading about a mysterious map—the next, they’re unfolding it themselves. Talk about bringing books to life! It’s the perfect motivation to keep them turning those pages.

 

Encourage Family Participation

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. In fact, tweens are more likely to engage when the whole family gets involved. Why not make D.E.A.R. Day a household tradition?

Set aside a specific time for everyone to drop everything and read — even if it’s just 20 minutes. Whether it’s a shared book or everyone reading their own, the point is to model that reading is valuable and fun.

You can take it a step further with a family read-aloud, group discussion, or even a cozy post-reading treat. (Warm cookies and a book chat? Yes, please!)

Celebrate Their Reading Achievements

Tweens thrive on recognition — especially when it’s genuine and a little fun. After D.E.A.R. Day, celebrate your tween’s reading accomplishments with small rewards or heartfelt praise.

Create a “Reader of the Day” certificate, print out a custom bookmark with their name, or let them choose the next book box. You could even start a “Reading Wall of Fame” at home with photos and titles of the books they’ve finished.

Celebrating these moments reinforces that reading is something to be proud of — and reminds them that every story finished is an achievement worth cheering.

Engaging the Community

Reading doesn’t end at home. Connect your tween with other readers by participating in community library events or joining an online book club. Why not encourage them to start their own Facebook group, book club, or a once-off reading drive!

Encourage your tween to post about their D.E.A.R. Day celebration, share their favorite gift, or organize a readathon with their besties—they might even inspire someone else to pick up a book!

 

Conclusion

D.E.A.R. Day is more than a reminder to read, it’s an opportunity to rediscover the joy of stories, especially for tweens learning to love books in their own way.

With a cozy nook, the right story, and a little help from Once Upon a Book Club’s magical subscription boxes, your tween can turn D.E.A.R. Day into a reading experience they’ll never forget.

Ready to make reading exciting all year round? Why not subscribe and bring the magic of books—and gifts—to life!

We think you will love our blog, Tween Reading Challenges for 2025: Fun Ways to Encourage Young Readers.