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.
February 2021
Practice Empathy
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story
A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story
Young Sharon hears the story of how she, after a series of protests to integrate the park, is the first African American to ride on the carousel at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in 1963.
Middle Grade
When Stars Are Scattered
When Stars Are Scattered
Ever since Omar was 4 years old and soldiers forced him and his brother Hassan to flee from their farm in Somalia, Omar has promised to always take care of his nonverbal brother—but he is also eager for an education and an opportunity for a life outside of their Kenyan refugee camp.
Young Adult
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Using humor and a conversational style, author Jason Reynolds deftly reworks Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning, exposing young adult readers to the history of America's racist past that textbooks leave out.
Ready, Set...Read!
Now’s the time to start planning for Read Across America Day, taking place March 2, 2021. Get started with these featured articles and resources.
Celebrate Read Across America by Trying on a New Hat
March 2 is "Read Across America Day" and we have selections you can share in-person or virtually that celebrate diversity and compassion.
Join the Reading Hat Parade!
Inspire your readers this year with some fashion. Download, print, and decorate a paper hat to wear and photograph for our #readinghatparade!
9 Ideas for (Virtually) Celebrating Read Across America
Virtual "mystery readers," StoryWalks that exercise kids' bodies as well as their minds, and more ways to celebrate safely.
Read Out Loud with KidLit TV
Shake up story time with videos that reinforce children’s appreciation of reading, from Read Across America partner KidLit TV.
Enter for a Chance to Win a Ready-to-Read Prize Pack
Sponsored Content
Twenty (20) winners will receive a collection of Ready-to-Read and Ready-to-Read Graphics titles to add to their classroom library! Ready-to-Read is a leveled reader program vetted by educational experts designed to develop beginning readers into confident reading stars. From engaging nonfiction to stories featuring fan favorite characters, there’s a Ready-to-Read book for every reader!
- Enter here!
Here’s What We’re Reading...
Click on a month below for our recommended books, plus suggestions for discussions and activities.
August 2020
Empower Student Voice
September 2020
Foster Inclusiveness
October 2020
Activate Young Citizens
November 2020
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples
December 2020
Explore Identity
January 2021
Explore Families & History
February 2021
Practice Empathy
March 2021
Cultivate Compassion
April 2021
Inspire Stewardship
May 2021
Develop Passion & Perseverance
June 2021
Promote Respect
July 2021
Build Community
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.
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.
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