Gallardo Elementary had an incredible opportunity to connect with 17 authors, both in person and virtually, with one author hosting three separate sessions. The campus welcomed four local authors and five guest readers to celebrate World Read Aloud Day.
The first Wednesday in February is recognized as World Read Aloud Day, a global initiative started by the nonprofit LitWorld to promote the importance of reading and sharing stories. Authors from around the world joined us, some connecting from different time zones. Instead of relaxing in their pajamas, they joined our students for read-aloud sessions that sparked meaningful conversations about reading, storytelling, and even time zones.
Thanks to the visiting authors, the Gallardo library received several donated books, and two classrooms went home with a copy of Greg Witherspoon’s book. Superintendent Ramirez also made sure his young Cardinals did not go home empty-handed, personally handing books to each of his readers.
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the invited authors who donated their time. One author typically charges $900 per session, so if all visitors had charged similar rates, Gallardo would have received more than $15,300 in author time, expertise, and donated books. That is truly remarkable!
A huge thank you to the Gallardo WRAD 2026 team—Mr. Carlos (technology), Mrs. Hidalgo, Mrs. Wayson, Mrs. Rodriguez, and Mrs. Trevino—for ensuring everything ran smoothly. Thank you as well to our teachers for their flexibility and support in making this event a success.
Check out some pictures from World Read Aloud Day below!