Read Across America 2025
An alternative list
Since 2019, I’ve created book lists for Read Across America Week.
Here’s a little history about Read Across America Week:
“Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.
The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.” - source NEA (https://www.nea.org/resource-library/read-across-america-frequently-asked-questions)
Originally, Read Across America Week was paired with the celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. In 2021, an article came to light that shared the history of Dr. Seuss’ work and contribution to Anti Asian propaganda as well as anti Black stereotypes. You can read more here. As a result, the NEA moved away from the celebration of Dr. Seuss, and moved towards a celebration of diverse stories.
Each year, I create a book list that helps educators and librarians share the love of story with young people. I try to provide as many inclusive texts as possible, giving ample opportunity to celebrate the diversity of different communities. This year, as I created the list, I wanted the list to be reflective of what is currently happening in American politics. What better place to gather inspiration but from an original historical document:
The Constitution.
Using the Preamble to the Constitution, I selected terms that reflected the lives and stories of EVERY American.
With this year’s list, I hope to remind educators, librarians, parents and caregivers, that ALL stories are worthy of being shared with young people. Despite efforts to ban or silence the true diversity of America and it’s history, these stories, will always matter. No one’s identity is controversial.
I hope you join me by reading and sharing these stories all year long.