Get the Latest Read Across America Recommendations

October is a scary time! Not only do we have candy-fueled goblins in our classrooms, we also have an annual reckoning of growing censorship in the U.S., as educators highlight Banned Books Week from October 4-10.

In recent years, many favorite titles have been banned from school shelves, including some recommended by NEA’s Read Across America program. 

Today, through its annually produced calendar of books, NEA’s Read Across America program provides 12 months of diverse titles for educators of every level, as well as resources to use them in classrooms.

Get monthly recommendations, discussion questions, and suggested activities at nea.org/ReadAcross.

Meet the New Read Across America Ambassador!

For 10 years, Helen Darling dropped dimes and set picks in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). But today, “Reading is my game,” says Darling. “Basketball gave me a platform, but reading gave me possibilities beyond the court.”

In July, Darling was named the newest ambassador for NEA’s Read Across America. In this role, Darling will visit schools and NEA members across the nation, delivering a slam dunk to school libraries and classrooms.

Becoming a Read Across America ambassador has brought back the same feelings that Darling experienced when she was drafted by the WNBA, in 2000. “I’m humbled by the opportunity. I’m excited for what’s ahead,” she says. “And I’m eager to join this incredible team of educators, librarians, families, and literacy champions who show up every day to change children’s lives through reading.”