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.
Book Delivery! Read Across America Comes to Maryland!
Meet the winner of NEA’s Read Across America 2022 Sweepstakes—and find out what she and her colleagues won.
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Congratulations to Megan Sterling, grand prize winner of the recent NEA’s Read Across America Sweepstakes! In late December, NEA President Becky Pringle stopped by Sterling’s school to congratulate her. They were joined by Maryland State Education Association President Cheryl Bost (far left) and Montgomery County Education Association President Jennifer Martin (far right).
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Sterling, a third-grade teacher at Maryland’s Gaithersburg Elementary School, won more than 500 Read Across-recommended books for her school, including a set of books for every classroom teacher, differentiated for primary and intermediate grade teachers. “I can’t wait to share them [with students]!” said Sterling.
NEA
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During the delivery of the Read Across-recommended books, a Gaithersburg third-grader showed a book cover to Sterling and said it looked like her grandfather! It’s important for students of color to see their identities in the books they read, and also for White students to see a multicultural world. Diverse books, like the ones in NEA’s Read Across America calendar, serve as both mirrors and windows.
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During her visit to Gaithersburg, Pringle read aloud from one of her favorite Read Across-recommended picture books, Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes. “How many of you would like to be scientists?” asked Pringle, who taught middle-school science for 31 years. “How about teachers? Yes! Yes!”
NEA
February 2023
Celebrate Black History
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
Because Claudette
Because Claudette
This picture book biography celebrates both Claudette Colvin, whose teen-aged activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and the power of collective action.
Middle Grade
When Winter Robeson Came
When Winter Robeson Came
To figure out what happened to his missing father, thirteen-year-old Winter travels to Los Angeles from Mississippi to visit his cousin Eden and her family during the summer of the Watts Riots in 1965.
Young Adult
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People
An essential account of the Black Panthers as militant revolutionaries, social activists, and human rights advocates working to defend and protect their community.
Ready, Set...Read!
Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
Event Ideas
Ready, Set, Read Across America! Now's the time to plan for NEA’s Read Across America Day in March and get involved in year-round reading fun in your community.
African American Booklist
Celebrate African American heritage, tradition, and achievement when you share the stories of African Americans throughout history and inspire young readers to learn more about their relevance today.
Update your Black History Month Learning with New Titles from Simon & Schuster
Sponsored Content
With a mix of fiction and nonfiction for all ages, Simon & Schuster has the perfect catalog of books for your students during Black History Month!
- Learn More!
Here’s What We’re Reading...
Click on a month below for our recommended books, plus suggestions for discussions and activities.
August 2022
Create a Better World
September 2022
Find the Right Words
October 2022
Foster Belonging
November 2022
Promote Healing & Growth
December 2022
Activate Inner Strengths
January 2023
Explore Societal Forces
February 2023
Celebrate Black History
March 2023
Bring Communities Together
April 2023
Make Music!
May 2023
Nurture Family Bonds
June 2023
Support LGBTQ+ Communities
July 2023
Cultivate Caring Connections
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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