It’s been 50 years since Dr. Seuss released “The Cat in the Hat,” and America has been reading tongue-twisting lines ever since.

Tracy-area schools celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday this week through various reading events.

Community leaders, athletes and high school and college students will read at local elementary schools and talk to young students about the importance of hitting the books.

A group of high school students visited Jefferson School on Monday to read to seventh- and eighth-grade students. Jefferson librarian Sheri Leri has invited local police officers and firemen for past Read Across America weeks, but will invite Tracy High School students to read in the Jefferson library each day this week.

“These young people really listen to the high school students and ask them questions,” Leri said. “They were thrilled.”

Leri hosts two book fairs a year and finds new, unique books that appeal to a variety of interests as a way to encourage students to read. The Jefferson School library will host a book fair March 29 and 30.

Children’s books will be in the spotlight this week at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Tracy. They will host a book fair Friday and Saturday, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Poet Christian Elementary School’s library.

Jamie Goldsmit with Barnes and Noble said the bookstore does its part each month to encourage young people to read. The children’s department hosts readings three times a week: 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays at 3150 Naglee Road.

For information: 832-9744.

To contact reporter Danielle MacMurchy, call 830-4221 or e-mail danielle@tracypress.com.