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Read Across America is an annual program celebrating reading and its benefits, particularly focusing on children and young adults. Initiated by the National Education Association (NEA), the program commences on March 2nd, coinciding with the birthday of the renowned author Dr. Seuss. Throughout March, schools and organizations nationwide organize various events and activities to promote reading and diversity.
Dr. Seuss: The Most Influential Children’s Book Author of All Time
Dr. Seuss is widely regarded as one of the most influential children’s book authors of all time, with over 600 million copies sold worldwide. He authored and illustrated 60 books, many of which have become classics and have been adapted into various forms of media. Dr. Seuss also made significant contributions as a political cartoonist and an animator for the US Army during World War II. His books are not only entertaining and educational but also convey important messages and values.
You can read more about DR. Seuss here: The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss
NEA: Promoting Reading and Cultural Diversity
NEA launched Read Across America in 1998 as a year-round program aimed at encouraging reading and literacy. The program seeks to reflect and respect the diversity of readers, encompassing their cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. NEA provides resources and book recommendations that highlight diverse stories and voices. Some of the featured books for Read Across America 2024 include:
Love Is Loud:
How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Sandra Neil Wallace: This picture book biography chronicles the life of Diane Nash, a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for justice and equality using love and nonviolence.
We Are Your Children Too:
Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America’s Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia by Kristen Green: Targeted at middle-grade readers, this book recounts the true story of Black students and their families’ struggle against school segregation and discrimination in Virginia during the 1950s and 1960s.
The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers)
How Racism Hurts Everyone by Heather McGhee: This young adult book delves into the effects of racism on people of all races and society as a whole, offering solutions and hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Let’s Join Read Across America and Dive into Books
Read Across America offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy and power of reading. Reading enriches our minds, expands our horizons, and fosters connections with others. By exploring diverse books, we can gain insights from different perspectives and better understand the world around us. Reading has the potential to inspire us to take action and make positive contributions to society. So, let’s join Read Across America and embark on a journey of discovery through the captivating world of books!
