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Author Kwame Alexander in a dark green track suit stands and recites in front of middle school students with bassist Amy Shook in the background

Celebrate Reading diverse & inclusive books

Let's read and grow together with 12 months of recommended titles, authors, and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion.
Kwame Alexander in a dark green shirt with hands clasped
[The Crossover] is the book I wished I could have read when I was a kid …a book with characters who looked like me, with rhythm and flow and empowering words. I believe the mind of an adult begins with the imagination of a child.
Quote by: Kwame Alexander, poet and author of The Crossover
Watch The Crossover story concert

August 2025

Nurture Your Calling

Books of the month:

Books of the month:

Elementary

Every Monday Mabel

Every Monday Mabel picture book cover a simple illustration of a small girl moving a chair with a trash truck visible outside the window

Every Monday Mabel

by Jashar Awan

Every Monday without fail, Mabel happily waits for the garbage truck to arrive.
Learn more

Middle Grade

Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement

Cover of Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement, a young girl in Renaissance Festival attire sits on a bench in front of tents

Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement

by Jill Tew

Black, twelve-year-old Kaya encounters bias and exploitation as she struggles to remain true to herself while competing for the role of queen at the Renaissance Faire camp.
Learn more

Young Adult

Banned Together

Cover of Banned Together featuring an illustrated stack of books against an orange background

Banned Together

by Ashley Hope Pérez

Featuring the voices of 15 diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators, this multi-genre young adult anthology spotlights the transformative power of books while equipping teens to fight for the freedom to read.
Learn more

Ready, Set...Read!

Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
Toney Jackson at the display board demonstrating rap music.

Mic Check: One, Two, … One, Teach!

From multiplication bars to literacy stars, teachers are transforming learning with hip-hop.
Get your rap on
young asian boy in a wheelchair chooses books in library

Books to Uplift Perspectives and Experiences of Disability

These recommended books give readers the opportunity to explore a wide range of disability experiences as well as enjoy fabulous stories that focus on a disabled character but not their disability.
View the list
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Download the Made Me a Reader Kit

Partner with families to ensure kids are reading all year long. Discover new series and printable reading trackers now.
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Raising Literacy Rates in the Digital Age

Competing with technology can be difficult, but these educators are introducing students to books—and the joy of reading in general—in creative ways.
Learn more
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Comics: The Superheroes of Classroom Diversity

It’s a bird…It’s a plane…It’s a champion of diversity!
Learn more
High school student reading graphic novel in the library

Classroom Resources to Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Find book recommendations, posters, bookmarks, stickers, and ways to show your support for banned books and freedom from censorship in the classroom.
Learn more
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Experience the wonders of the world with Lynn Curlee!

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Award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee presents impeccably researched and boldly illustrated nonfiction picture books about architecture, history, and more in this series!
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Here’s What We’re Reading...

Click on a month below for our recommended books, plus suggestions for discussions and activities.
Every Monday Mabel

August 2025

Nurture Your Calling

Shift Happens

September 2025

Invite Transformation

A Second Chance on Earth

October 2025

Build Resilience

On a Wing and a Tear

November 2025

Cultivate Connection

The Doomsday Detectives: How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinction

December 2025

Embrace Evolution

The Ballerina of Auschwitz

January 2026

End Exclusion

They Call Me Teach

February 2026

Claim Freedom

Vanya and the Wild Hunt

March 2026

Champion Kindness

Deer Run Home

April 2026

Grow Your Circle

Don't Cause Trouble

May 2026

Honor Heritage

Ash's Cabin

June 2026

Own Your Story

A Sky That Sings

July 2026

Take Charge

NEA strives to make sure that every student has access to age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected, and opposes efforts to limit students’ access to such books. Nevertheless, NEA urges educators to comply with state and local laws and policies that may limit what books they may teach and recommend to their students. 

Marley Dias
“Diverse stories provide kids with different perspectives and help them see how others think and feel. Put reading to kids on your calendar all year round. Take NEA's Read Across America Diverse Books Challenge and help kids of all ages discover their own voices as they learn from the stories of others.”
Quote by: Marley Dias, Read Across America Ambassador 2021-23, and Founder, #1000BlackGirlBooks
Post this Take the challenge

Hear from Read Across America Authors

We've interviewed several authors on our School Me podcast. Donna Barba Higuera discusses El Cucuy is Scared, Too! and why she is so passionate about writing books that feature multiracial children, families, and identities. Wendy Shang, author of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao talks about why representation matters. Andrea Davis Pinkney, author of Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It, discusses the power of storytelling. And Duncan Tonatiuh, author of A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters, makes the case for the freedom to read.

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About Read Across America

What is NEA's Read Across America? Find answers to your frequently asked questions about the National Education Association's year-round celebration of diverse books and meet the people behind it.
Learn more
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Join Our Community of Readers

Are you a teacher, librarian, educator, author, or devoted book worm? Join the Read Across America Facebook group to share resources, ideas, and experiences as we celebrate a nation of diverse readers.
Visit our Facebook group
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Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
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