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young girl in the library reading a copy of The Night Before Pride

create & celebrate a nation of diverse readers

Let's read and grow together with 12 months of recommended books, authors, and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion.
Juana Medina addressed students at a Read Across America event
“There's that possibility of finding ourselves within the pages and recognizing ourselves or getting a better understanding of other people around us through the stories that we read.”
Quote by: Juana Medina, author of "Juana and Lucas"

Ready, Set...Read!

Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
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.
illustration of a Latina girl playing a guitar

Hispanic Heritage Booklists

Colorín Colorado’s children’s Hispanic Heritage booklists feature biography, history, cultural traditions, family stories, fun stories, and titles about growing up Latino.
diverse students talking in a circle in school library

Starting a Book Club at School

Book clubs should celebrate reading! Here are ideas to get you started.
a school library bookshelf with several picture books displayed on top

No New Library Books for 30 Years? These Paraeducators Changed That!

A large Massachusetts district lacked new and diverse books so library paraeducators banded together to get an NEA Read Across America grant for new books.
books can change the world

What Do Students Want to Read? It Might Not Be What You Think

Move over Dog Man! Make room for nonfiction books.
Simon and Schuster election books

2024 Election Books for Young Readers!

Sponsored Content
It's election season again, and we have a range of great books to help young people stay engaged and learn about presidents and the election process.

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

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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Black NEA RAA logo

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.
A woman and her son use a laptop together

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.
National Education Association

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.