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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May 2021
Develop Passion and Perseverance
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
Following World War II, Momofuku Ando struggles to perfect his recipe for a noodle soup that is delicious, inexpensive, and a quick way to feed the hungry.
Middle Grade
When You Trap a Tiger
When You Trap a Tiger
Lily takes on a quest from the tiger from her grandmother’s Korean folktales in the hopes it will heal her sick grandmother.
Young Adult
Frankly in Love
Frankly in Love
Frank’s parents insist that he only date Koreans, so when he falls for Brit, who is white, he teams up with Joy so they can pretend to date each other in order to have the freedom to spend time to date who they like.
Ready, Set...Read!
Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
Grab Your Hat for Storytime with Author Kelly Starling Lyons
Read along with Tiara's Hat Parade.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Recommended Titles
Share stories that celebrate the AAPI community and the lives of everyday men, women, and children who made and are making history.
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.
Celebrate Diverse Stories With Kaleidoscope!
Sponsored Content
Simon & Schuster provides a diverse publishing program for children of all ages. With significant contributions to Black, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQ, multicultural literature, and more, the Kaleidoscope program not only shines a light on an assortment of outstanding authors and stories, but shows readers the beauty, empathy, and enlightenment that comes from books.
- Learn more!
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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