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Books by Theme

Use these lists from NEA and Colorín Colorado to connect children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures and spread the joy of reading.
young girl in glasses sits and reads a picture book at library

African American Authors Booklist

This list featuring the books of 100 wonderful Black authors, illustrators, and poets is meant to help introduce readers to some of the many African American creators who are celebrated in the field of children’s literature and tell important truths and stories that captivate kids.
Librarian with stack of books

Black History 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.
Shark Lady cover detail

Diverse Books with Trailblazing Women

In these selected titles you’ll find authors, artists and architects, rulers and rebels, athletes and astronauts, musicians, mothers of invention and many, many more famous and influential women.
Pashmina cover detail

Asian American and Pacific Islander Recommended Titles

Share stories that celebrate major figures and telling titles about the lives of everyday men, women, and children who made and are making history.
Book cover of All the Way to the Top

Disability Booklist

These titles give readers the opportunity to explore a wide range of disability experiences as well as enjoy fabulous stories that focus on a disabled character but not their disability.
When Green Becomes Tomatoes

Great Poetry to Read Aloud

The list includes poems and collections of poetry from different cultures, introductions to a variety of poetic forms, and playful language for lots of read aloud fun.
cover art for the book Jingle Dancer featuring a Native American girl dancing in traditional dress

American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nations Titles

Titles to share to help readers of all ages get to know Native people and their nations.
illustration of a Latina girl playing a guitar

Hispanic Heritage Booklists

Colorín Colorado’s children’s Hispanic Heritage booklists feature biography, history, cultural traditions, family stories, fun stories, and titles about growing up Latino.
Book cover of And Tango Makes Three

LGBTQ Recommended Reading

Find books in this list that reflect on the LGBTQ experience along with titles about pride, tolerance, and diversity.
Big Moon Tortilla cover detail

Read Across America: State by State

Travel across a map of the U.S. by reading books that take place in each of the states! In this list, you’ll find fiction and nonfiction titles to engage readers of all ages—from preschool through high school.
Calavera cover detail

Spanish/English Bilingual Booklist

Celebrate reading in two languages with titles featured in this Bilingual Booklist from Colorín Colorado.
cover of Rise Up and Write It picture book

Titles for Social Justice, Activism, and Change

Help inspire and guide readers of all levels in the fight for a better society and the disruption of inequity.
young girl sitting on the floor of a bookstore reading a book

Books Kids Love

We asked educators to tell us what books are popular with their students—and got a list of new 'classics’ for the classroom.
banned books week

Read Across America Books Banned or Challenged in Schools

Educators recommend these titles to connect students with worlds and characters as diverse as they are and inspire them to a lifelong love of reading. But others want to pull them from the library shelves.

Additional Recommended Books from Trusted Sources

Turn to these trusted organizations for more recommendations and advice on choosing the best in children’s literature.

In addition to taking advantage of these booklists, NEA recommends that you seek out your school librarian or the children’s librarian at your local public library. Librarians work incredibly hard to keep up with what’s new and awesome in children’s literature. Ask them for recommendations, especially for great books to read aloud.

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.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.