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young girl in the library reading a copy of The Night Before Pride

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.
Marley Dias
“Diverse stories provide kids with different perspectives and help them see how others think and feel. Put reading to kids on your calendar all year round. Take NEA's Read Across America Diverse Books Challenge and help kids of all ages discover their own voices as they learn from the stories of others.”
Quote by: Marley Dias, Read Across America Ambassador 2021-23, and Founder, #1000BlackGirlBooks
Take the challenge

April 2024

Discover the Power of Poetry

Books of the month:

Books of the month:

Elementary

How to Write a Poem

How to Write a Poem

How to Write a Poem

by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

A poem itself, this book invites readers to explore and observe the world around them and discover the poetry within it.
Learn more

Middle Grade

Moonwalking

Moonwalking

Moonwalking

by Zetta Elliott and Lyn Miller-Lachmann

In this verse novel told in alternating voices set in 1980s Brooklyn, new student JJ Pankowski, an autistic punk rock lover, befriends Pie Velez, an Afro-Latinx math geek and graffiti artist.
Learn more

Young Adult

Abuela, Don’t Forget Me

Abuela, Don't Forget Me

Abuela, Don’t Forget Me

by Rex Ogle

Rex Ogle celebrates the woman who supported him through a coming of age marked by violence and dysfunction in this memoir in verse.
Learn more

Ready, Set...Read!

Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.
Black male teachers reads aloud to young children in a library

Great Poetry to Read Aloud

Plant the seeds for growing a love of poetry with these titles that will captivate when read aloud.
View the list Find titles in your local library
Amanda Gorman at the 2021 Biden Inauguration

Celebrate Poetry Month with Poet Amanda Gorman

Classroom and community resources to help make poetry accessible to all.
Learn more
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Myths! Lies! Secrets!

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books can change the world

What Do Students Want to Read? It Might Not Be What You Think

Move over Dog Man! Make room for nonfiction books.
Read more
Screenshot from video of Jasminne Mendez reading her book

Read Along with Jasminne Mendez

TheAniana Del Mar Jumps In author reads excerpts from her book for Poetry Month.
Watch the video
collage of book covers of books recommended for Arab American Heritage Month

Books that Explore Arab and Arab American Experiences

Check out these recommended titles that honor the culture heritage and history of the diverse peoples of the Arab world.
View the list
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Learn to Write with NYT Bestselling Author, Stuart Gibbs!

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The bestselling author of the Spy School series has created videos and lesson plans to help aspiring writers create engaging stories! Check it out with your students!
  • Check it out!

NEA strives to make sure that every student has access to age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected, and opposes efforts to limit students’ access to such books. Nevertheless, NEA urges educators to comply with state and local laws and policies that may limit what books they may teach and recommend to their students. 

Here’s What We’re Reading...

Click on a month below for our recommended books, plus suggestions for discussions and activities.
August 2023

August 2023

Share Your Story

September 2023

September 2023

Tackle Challenges Together

October 2023

October 2023

Champion the Freedom to Read

November 2023

November 2023

Gain New Perspectives

December 2023

December 2023

Recognize Our Connectedness

January 2024

January 2024

Engage in the World

February 2024

February 2024

Advance Racial Justice

March 2024

March 2024

Celebrate Diversity

April 2024

April 2024

Discover the Power of Poetry

May 2024

May 2024

Focus on Family

June 2024

June 2024

Promote Respect for All

July 2024

July 2024

Foster Inclusiveness

Chapter Books for Early Readers

Covers of two magic tree house books on baseball

Create enthusiastic readers with Magic Tree House (MTH) early chapter book choices for beginning independent readers that are fun, accessible, and help improve comprehension and the habit of reading.

  • Magic Tree House Book #29: A Big Day for Baseball  

  • Nonfiction: Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Baseball

Ready to use these MTH books and more in your classroom? Visit MTHClassroomAdventures.org for downloadable MTH resources or head to www.MagicTreeHouse.com. Eligible educators can join FirstBook's Network to bring new books and resources to the classroom.

Become a FirstBook Member

Hear from Read Across America Authors

We've interviewed several authors on our School Me podcast. Donna Barba Higuera discusses El Cucuy is Scared, Too! and why she is so passionate about writing books that feature multiracial children, families, and identities. Wendy Shang, author of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao talks about why representation matters. Andrea Davis Pinkney, author of Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It, discusses the power of storytelling. And Duncan Tonatiuh, author of A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters, makes the case for the freedom to read.

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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.
Learn more
A woman and her son use a laptop together

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.
Visit our Facebook group
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