Read Across America

Mark Your Calendars: March 2 is NEA’s Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day is coming! Find calendar books, event ideas, and resources to celebrate books on March 2 and all year long at www.nea.org/readacross. This year, we’re asking educators and families to take NEA’s Read Across America Diverse Books Challenge to raise awareness about the importance, value, and fun of reading and sharing diverse books.

Are you seeking books that highlight diversity, social justice and empathy for #ReadAcrossAmerica Day? Let’s read and grow together with 12 months of recommended books, authors, and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion. This NEA list, curated by educators, for every grade level. Check it out → NEA | Celebrate and create a nation of diverse readers


Origin of Read Across America

In May 1997, a small reading task force at NEA came up with a big idea. “Let’s create a day to celebrate reading,” the group decided. “We hold pep rallies to get kids excited about football. We assemble to remember that Character Counts. Why don’t we do something to get kids excited about reading? We’ll call it ‘NEA’s Read Across America’!

Learn more about the National Education Association’s annual reading event: Read Across America: Frequently Asked Questions