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A father reads to his two daughters outside

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.
Marley Dias
“Kids should be able to be the main characters in their own lives. We want them to know that who they are matters...[but] some decision-makers are trying to ban books, dictate what teachers say, and block kids from learning our shared stories to confront injustice and build and more perfect union.”
Quote by: Marley Dias, Read Across America Ambassador and Founder, #1000BlackGirlBooks
Celebrate the freedom to read

November 2022

Promote Healing & Growth

Books of the month:

Books of the month:

Elementary

Powwow Day

Powwow Day

Powwow Day

by Traci Sorell

River has been very sick and cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, but as she watches her family dance for her healing, she has faith she will dance again.
Learn more

Middle Grade

Healer of the Water Monster

Healer of the Water Monster

Healer of the Water Monster

by Brian Young

Nathan Todacheenie, an 11-year-old Diné boy who is spending the summer with his grandmother, must summon his courage to save the life of a Water Monster—and help his uncle heal.
Learn more

Young Adult

Living Nations, Living Words: An Anthology of First Peoples Poetry

Living Nations Living Words

Living Nations, Living Words: An Anthology of First Peoples Poetry

by Joy Harjo

Living Nations, Living Words, the signature project of the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, gathers and highlights the diverse voices of 47 contemporary Native American poets.
Learn more

Ready, Set...Read!

Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
cover of Sweetest Kulu

American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nations Titles

Titles to share to help readers of all ages get to know Native people and their nations.
View the full list at WorldCat Guidance on choosing children's books about Native Americans from Colorín Colorado
diverse students talking in a circle in school library

Book Club Basics

The book club experience is social and a great way to motivate kids to read, get them talking about books, and have them share ideas and perspectives.
Ideas for starting a book club at school
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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.
2022 August Black Boy Joy Cover

August 2022

Create a Better World

2022 Sept Vinyl Moon Book Cover

September 2022

Find the Right Words

Growing an Artist Book Cover

October 2022

Foster Belonging

Powwow Day Book Cover

November 2022

Promote Healing & Growth

A Thousand Steps Book Cover

December 2022

Activate Inner Strengths

2023 Jan Blue Cover

January 2023

Explore Societal Forces

When Winter Robeson Came to Town Book Cover

February 2023

Celebrate Black History

We Weren't Looking to Be Found book cover

March 2023

Bring Communities Together

Barakah Beats book cover

April 2023

Make Music!

Loteria book cover

May 2023

Nurture Family Bonds

Twas the Night Before Pride book cover

June 2023

Support LGBTQ+ Communities

Moth book cover

July 2023

Cultivate Caring Connections

YA Author Chat

Four young adult authors—J. Elle (Wings of Ebony), Margarita Engle (With a Star in My Hand), Loan Le (A Phở Love Story), and Britteny Morris (The Cost of Knowing)—discuss why diverse books matter for all students as part of a moderated conversation led by educator Tanya Johnson Martin.

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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