Grab a stack of books, a toasty warm beverage, and find a place to get cozy because March 2 is Read Across America Day. Read Across America is a national celebration of reading started by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 that aims to get (and keep) children and teens reading. When adults make time to read with children, children get the message that reading is important— and enjoyable.
This year’s theme is Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers. There is room in our community for all readers and research has shown that representation matters. NEA’s Read Across America includes “books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them. Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are engaged readers.”
Read Across America doesn’t just celebrate reading in March, the program lasts all year long. Each month, the NEA highlights three books, one for elementary, middle school, and teen readers, that explore topics related to diversity and inclusion. There are also discussion questions and writing prompts related to the book that parents and teachers may use to engage kids and teens with the book’s themes.
We believe, like the NEA, that “Students need books that provide both windows and mirrors if we are going to create more readers, writers, and people who feel included and recognized, and who understand that the world is far richer than just their experiences alone.” Below you’ll find the books selected by the NEA for each age group for the 2021-2022 school year. Read them anytime, but you’ll find the discussion questions at the NEA Read Across America page under the accompanying month/title.
Picture Books
January
A Sled for Gabo
February
The Electric Slide and Kai
March
Jump at the Sun
April
Kiyoshi's Walk
June
My Two Border Towns
July
Zonia's Rain Forest
Middle Grade Books
January
Measuring Up
February
Loretta Little Looks Back
March
We Belong
April
Finding Junie Kim
May
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
June
Nuestra America
Young Adult Books
January
A Ph̉ơ Love Story
February
The Cost of Knowing
March
With A Star in My Hand
April
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
May
From A Whisper to A Rallying Cry
July
After the Rain
For more information, watch this video:
NEA and Marley Dias partner to launch the new Read Across America
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