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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June 2021
Promote Respect
Books of the month:
Books of the month:
Elementary
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior
Ho'onani, who doesn’t see herself as wahine (girl) or kāne (boy), is happy to be in the middle and eager to lead a school performance of a traditional kāne hula chant even though she knows that some may get upset that a wahine is leading.
Middle Grade
A High Five for Glenn Burke
A High Five for Glenn Burke
For Silas, his presentation on the the first professional baseball player to come out as gay is more than another school report—it’s his first step toward telling his family, friends, and teammates about who he is.
Young Adult
The Music of What Happens
The Music of What Happens
When 17-year-old Max signs on to help fellow high school student Jordan run the food truck that may save Jordan and his mom from homelessnes, the boys find themselves strongly attracted to each other — but their romance is threatened by the secrets they are hiding.
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.
Explore Simon & Schuster’s The Book Pantry!
Sponsored Content
The Book Pantry is your guide to book discovery. Educators can explore recommendations and download resources for their classrooms. With curriculum and reading group guides, author of the month features, and more, it’s a one-stop shop. Be sure to also check out the highlights of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing's Summer 2021 Teacher & Librarian Preview.
- 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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