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.
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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March 2021
Cultivate Compassion
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
Tiara’s Hat Parade
Tiara’s Hat Parade
When a new store opens that sells cheaper hats, Tiara—and the community she rallies—help revive her mother’s hat-making business.
Middle Grade
Each Tiny Spark
Each Tiny Spark
Emilia, who has ADHD, is trying to focus on rebuilding her relationship with her father, who is back from his deployment, and avoiding her overbearing grandmother. At the same time, she’s deciding how to handle the injustice and prejudice she discovers in her Atlanta suburb while working on her school project about the town’s history.
Young Adult
They Called Us Enemy
They Called Us Enemy
This autobiographical graphic novel follows a young George Takei and his family during the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
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.
Grab Your Hat for Storytime with Author Kelly Starling Lyons
Read along with Tiara's Hat Parade.
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.
Students Deserve a Welcoming and Inclusive School Setting
A Wisconsin community comes together in support of transgender and non-binary students, after an "I Am Jazz" reading event was canceled by a Florida-based group.
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!
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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 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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