Celebrating the Characters of Literature

Being immersed in the world of books is a source of great joy. At Great Hearts lower schools, this sentiment is celebrated annually through a tradition known as Great Hearts Great Books Day, also referred to as Literary Character Day, or Read-a-thon.

While the names and specific activities may vary across different academies, the essence of the celebration remains constant – a day dedicated to reveling in the world of literature, where students and teachers alike don the costumes of their beloved literary or historical figures. This includes heroes, heroines, protagonists, antagonists, props, or even significant events that have left a mark on the pages of history. The day is filled with a variety of activities, all designed to highlight the richness and beauty that literature holds. From engaging literary games to enjoying snacks, to reading sessions, and captivating guest readers, every element of the day is carefully designed to kindle a deep appreciation for the magic that books impart.

At Archway Veritas, students and staff celebrated Great Hearts, Great Books Day on their first day back from fall break. “I’m really excited about this day,” said Dean of Students Victoria Van Leuven. “[It is] a celebration of all the wonderful books that we read here in our campus. Students are able to come to school dressed as a favorite character from a story we’ve read or a favorite historical figure.”

“The teachers dress up as well,” said Leuven, decked out in costume herself as Boris the Dragon from the children’s book, My Father’s Dragon. “I have seen different princesses from fairy tales, Jack from Jack and the Beanstock, Hansel and Gretel, and some of the founding fathers are running around on campus. It’s such a fun way to come back together, celebrate the community, and be together for a good start of quarter two.”

Literature and the Great Books are the cornerstone of classical education at Great Hearts academies. These activities in the lower schools play a pivotal role in igniting the spark of curiosity and wonder, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning. They serve as the gateway to deeper explorations of the worlds that unfold within the pages of books, and cultivate an appreciation for the Great Books as scholars progress to the upper schools and engage in more advanced learning. The reading lists curated by Great Hearts provide a roadmap to this literary odyssey, offering a diverse selection of timeless works that continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

View the list of books and short stories Great Hearts students read in kindergarten through 5th grade here.

Great Hearts’ celebration of literature and the characters within is a testament to the enduring allure of literature. Through this grand tradition, students and educators alike come together to revel in the power of storytelling, immersing themselves in the lives and journeys of beloved characters from history and fiction. This day not only fosters a deep-seated love for books but also lays the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. As students progress through their academic journey, the lessons learned on these special days serve to light the path towards a richer understanding of the world through the pages of literature.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.