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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

January 2026

End Exclusion

Books of the month:

Books of the month:

Elementary

No More Chairs

No More Chairs

No More Chairs

by Dan Gill

Mr. Gill’s students learn the story behind the empty chair that sits in the front of their classroom.
Learn more

Middle Grade

Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers

Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers

Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers

by Ibram X. Kendi

In this extensive biography of human rights activist Malcolm X, Malcolm’s personal history and the history of racism are blended with commentary about present-day social justice issues.
Learn more

Young Adult

The Ballerina of Auschwitz

The Ballerina of Auschwitz

The Ballerina of Auschwitz

by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

With grit and humanity, Edie, an accomplished gymnast and dancer, and her sister Magda survive the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
Learn more

Ready, Set...Read!

Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
anton treuer

Healthy Masculinity, Wrapped in a Mystery

A YA thriller about a Native American teen explores masculinity, family, community, and learning self-love.
Learn more
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
Cover of No More Chairs book

5 Things to Know with NEA's Read Across America Author Dan Gill

NEA member and author Dan Gill kept an empty chair in his classroom for 40 years. Find out why and how the story led to a picture book in this Q&A.
Read more
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Sponsored Content

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

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
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
5 children side by side lean forward toward the camera with screen shots of Reading Eggs below them

Make This Year’s Read Across America Unforgettable

Sponsored Content
Ignite a love of reading with hundreds of lessons and 4000+ eBooks for PreK – 5 in Reading Eggs.
  • Discover Reading Eggs

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.

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.
Learn more
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.
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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