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.
Leland Melvin’s website
Science Friday: Chasing Space: Astronaut Leland Melvin’s Journey From Sports To Space
CSPAN BookTV interview with Leland Melvin
NASA’s African-American Astronauts Fact Sheet
Leland Melvin at the 2017 National Book Festival
Reading Is Fundamental support materials
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker
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