Celebrating Every Voice on Read Across America Day
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Image credit: https://www.smarten-up.com/blog/2021/7/14/the-benefits-of-reading-5-ways-reading-helps-kids-become-better-students
Every year on March 2nd, classrooms across the country celebrate Read Across America Day, an initiative that promotes the importance of reading. Originally launched in 1998, Read Across America has grown into a powerful movement that encourages schools to build a strong culture of literacy.
This year, the theme is “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers,” which promotes inclusivity and the joy of reading stories that reflect all communities. This theme is so important because when students see their cultures, languages, and identities represented in literature, it builds a stronger sense of belonging, understanding, and increased engagement. Celebrating a nation of diverse readers creates spaces for every student’s voice to be heard.
*Keep reading to see what TCL instructors read.
Ideas to Celebrate Diversity Through Reading:
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Spotlight diverse authors and illustrators-One meaningful way to celebrate a nation of diverse readers is by intentionally highlighting books that reflect a wide range of cultures, identities, languages, abilities, and lived experiences. Curating an inclusive classroom library doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. To support educators in this work, the National Education Association has developed a thoughtfully curated Read Across America book list designed to promote inclusion and celebrate diverse authors and illustrators. You can explore their full 2025–2026 calendar of recommended titles here: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/2025-2026-calendar
Below are their March recommendations:
Elementary- We are Definitely Human by X. Fang
Middle School- Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna
Young Adult- Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
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“Windows and Mirrors”-This idea comes from Rudine Sims Bishop, who wrote an article in 1990 called “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.” The idea is that children need to see themselves reflected positively in stories to feel a sense of belonging. They also need to learn about the experiences of others to build empathy and respect for people who are different from them. In this activity, students reflect on what books feel like:
Mirrors-stories that reflect their own lives and experiences
Windows-stories that offer insight into different experiences
In this video, a social studies teacher talks about how he uses a Windows and Mirrors activity in his classroom with newspaper articles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j6WLE4_7N0
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Host a mystery reader-invite a special guest to come to your classroom to read aloud to students. These readers can be grandparents, siblings, or members of the community. Have the mystery reader share clues about themselves leading up to the visit so students can take turns guessing who it might be. NEA shares more great ideas here:
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/15-big-ideas-celebrating-neas-read-across-america -
Reading identity reflections-Have students answer the following questions to share with the class:
-What kind of reader am I?
-When do I enjoy reading the most?
-What types of stories feel meaningful to me?
-Who are some of my favorite authors and why?
We asked some of our instructors to answer these questions. Here are their responses:
Shelly Fisher:
-What kind of reader am I?
I am a reflective, idea-driven reader. I love getting lost in romance and thriller novels, and as a teacher, I am always reading articles to spark new ideas for my classroom.
-When do I enjoy reading the most?
I enjoy reading at night the most. I also love to read on vacations and by my pool during summer vacation.
-What types of stories feel meaningful to me?
I love emotionally rich romance stories where characters grow, struggle, and connect in believable ways. I also love fast-paced thrillers where there is tension and mystery.
-Who are some of my favorite authors and why?
Colleen Hoover, Frieda McFadden, Abby Jimenez, and Emily Henry
Paul Wright:
-What kind of reader am I?
I am a books on tape type of guy.
-When do I enjoy reading the most?
I enjoy books on tape on car rides instead of talk radio.
-What types of stories feel meaningful to me?
Autobiographies and self-improvement. I really enjoy books that I can take something away from. I am a huge fan of improving productivity and oneself.
-Who are some of my favorite authors and why?
Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers
Jill Rockwell:
-What kind of reader am I?
I am passionate about teaching my young students how to read, as well as fostering the enjoyment that comes with reading.
-When do I enjoy reading the most?
I often read at night to help me wind down before going to sleep.
-What types of stories feel meaningful to me?
Stories based on historical and true events are most meaningful to me.
-Who are some of my favorite authors and why?
Kristin Hannah and Diana Gabaldon are two of my favorite authors for their engaging historical fiction books.
Mary Wolf:
I was a voracious reader as a child, and I have such an appreciation for the way a book can transport one to another time, place, or outlook. In second grade, somehow, I scrounged up 65 cents to place a Scholastic Book Order. The book I chose, Ellen Grae, is still in my possession 55 years later. All the senses that are awakened when I pick it up continue to astound me.
I was a Nancy Drew lover, and I very fondly remember my time with the Bobbsey Twins, the Happy Hollisters, and also my time on the prairie with Laura Ingalls Wilder.
In high school, my favorite authors were John Steinbeck and William Faulkner. Tortilla Flat is still a favorite, and I remember reading As I Lay Dying over and over to make sure I didn’t miss a thing.
As an educator, I believe strongly that kids enjoy being read to - just for the fun of it! No tests, no projects, just a good story. My favorite read-alouds are: Charlotte’s Web, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and Among the Hidden. The class discussions we had were priceless, and I loved that I had the opportunity to teach/model that reading can be a leisure activity.
Steve Novak:
-What kind of reader am I?
Currently, I am into audiobooks.
-When do I enjoy reading the most?
I listen while walking or on the treadmill.
-What types of stories feel meaningful to me?
Mysteries & Thrillers
-Who are some of my favorite authors and why?
John Grisham, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly (I enjoy the story lines)
The NEA stresses that Read Across America isn’t just about a single day. It’s an ongoing commitment to emphasize inclusive, year-round reading practices and an opportunity to affirm every student’s identity and reading journey. As you celebrate reading with your students, ask yourself, “How can we continue building classrooms where every reader belongs?”
Here are a few classes related to this topic:
The ELA Common Core: Understanding and Teaching the Big Shifts (6-12)
The ELA Common Core: Understanding and Teaching the Big Shifts (K-5)
Phonics and Beyond: Foundational Literacy Skills Across Grade Levels