NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading through our theme: Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers. Many schools and libraries celebrate with an annual event on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss, but NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.
In our diverse and complex society, 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. We know it is challenging to find the time to seek out new books to share, let alone create fun, exciting learning experiences around them. We hope you’ll find the books and resources we’ve provided here and online can blend effectively into existing classroom activities and units of study.
To help you share our recommended titles with students, many of them are available through the First Book Marketplace. Eligible educators, librarians, program leaders, and others serving children in need can sign up to purchase titles at a discount.
Copies of the print Read Across America calendar may be ordered from our online store, while supplies last.
Join us as we celebrate a nation of diverse readers with these recommended books, authors, and teaching resources that represent an array of experiences and cultures.
February 2019Life-Changing Educators
Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School
By Janet Halfmann; illustrated by London Lad
Born into slavery, Lilly Ann secretly learned to read and write from her master’s children—and then read everything she could get her hands on. Wishing to share her knowledge with others, she secretly taught hundreds of other enslaved people despite the great risks.
Why is diversity in children’s books so important? Read Across America authors explain the value of letting every child be the main character in their story.
