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.
Activist, author, and NEA’s Read Across America Ambassador Marley Dias makes a reading connection with Xelena González, author of All Around Us, our featured picture book for November.
November 2021
Explore Ancestry and Identity
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
All Around Us
All Around Us
Finding circles everywhere, a mestizo grandfather and his granddaughter contemplate the cycles of life and nature. (Also available in Spanish as Por todo nuestro alrededor).
Middle Grade
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
An intertribal powwow connects the short stories of 16 Indigenous authors that explore Native culture, ethnic identity, and ancestry.
Young Adult
Elatsoe
Elatsoe
Lipan Apache asexual teenager Ellie, who has the ability to raise the ghosts of animals, hopes to one day work as a paranormal investigator. But when her cousin Trevor is killed and his ghost appears to her, Ellie steps up to seek justice and protect his family.
Ready, Set...Read!
Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
A Talk with Author Donna Barba Higuera
NEA's School Me podcast welcomes author Donna Barba Higuera to discuss El Cucuy is Scared, Too! and learn why she is so passionate about writing books that feature multiracial children, families, and identities.
Book Club Basics
Here's what you need to know to start your own Read Across book club in your school.
A Bilingual Booklist for Back to School
Celebrate reading in English and Spanish with titles featured in this bilingual booklist from Colorín Colorado.
Read Keeper of the Lost Cities in Your Classroom
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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.
August 2021
Spread Your Wings
September 2021
Embrace New Beginnings
October 2021
Create Change
November 2021
Explore Ancestry and Identity
December 2021
Lend a Hand
January 2022
Try Something New
February 2022
Explore Families and History
March 2022
Play With Stories
April 2022
Nurture a Sense of Belonging
May 2022
Build Together
June 2022
Gain Perspective
July 2022
Determine Destiny
Watch What We're Celebrating This Year
We're joining the parade—Tiara's Hat Parade, as NEA President Becky Pringle, Read Across America Ambassador Marley Dias, and author Kelly Starling Lyons welcome us to another year of diverse books and take us deeper into a beloved tale of family, community, courage, and fashion.
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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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