Read Across America Books for Each Month of the School Year
Though Read Across America Day happens each year on March 2, the National Education Association (NEA) provides a calendar of themes and topics to keep the fun—and emphasis on reading—going all school year.
Newsela ELA’s novel studies pair articles, videos, and other resources with some of the most popularly taught and student-interest novels and nonfiction books to help build background knowledge of the authors, themes, and characters. Explore some of the Read Across America books we suggest for each of the NEA’s monthly categories throughout the rest of the school year and summer:
January - Find Your Way
The January theme “Find Your Way” encourages students to read stories exploring life's ups and downs and focusing on overcoming challenges.
Elementary: “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans
Middle school: “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech
High school: “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom
February - Pursue Passions
February’s theme, “Pursue Passions,” encourages students to find an activity or interest they care about and use their gifts to engage in it.
Elementary: “Frindle” by Andrew Clements
Middle school: “Amina’s Voice” by Hena Khan
High school: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
March - Join In
In March, invite students to “Join In” and work together to advocate for change and strengthen their communities.
Elementary: “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis
Middle school: “Hidden Figures” by Margot Shetterly (Young Reader Edition)
High school: “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
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April - Share Your Poetic Voice
To pair with National Poetry Month, April’s recommendations help students embrace their uniqueness through verse and rhyme.
Elementary: “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
Middle school: “Solo” by Kwame Alexander
High school: “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo
May - Revel in Your Heritage
The May theme, “Revel in Your Heritage,” invites students to embrace their cultural identities and learn more about the values, traditions, and histories of others.
Elementary: “Becoming Naomi León” by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Middle school: “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich
High school: “We Are Not From Here” by Johnny Torres Sanchez
June - Build Others Up
June’s theme, “Build Others Up,” invites students to share their stories and learn how they can support and encourage others to speak their truth.
Elementary: “Guts” by Raina Telgemeier
Middle school: “New Kid” by Jerry Craft
High school: “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
July - Cultivate Compassion
In July, students can learn how to “Cultivate Compassion” by reading stories focusing on empathy and representation.
Elementary: “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio
Middle school: “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes
High school: “Everything, Everything” by Nicola Yoon
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