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
• February - Pursue Passions
• March - Join In
• April - Share Your Poetic Voice
• May - Revel in Your Heritage
• June - Build Others Up
• July - Cultivate Compassion

[January - Find Your Way](id-jan)

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](id-feb)

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](id-mar)

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

[April - Share Your Poetic Voice](id-apr)

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](id-may)

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](id-jun)

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](id-jul)

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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