It’s always a great time to celebrate reading, but March 2 is special because it’s Read Across America Day. Since 1998, the Read Across America initiative has encouraged kids and teens to discover the joy of reading – and we’re pleased to note it's no longer a one-day affair! Events are held throughout the year to promote reading, literacy and diversity, both among the books being read and those who read them. Want to join the celebration? Through the National Education Association, you can find lists of Read Across America’s promoted books as well as a calendar of their events and monthly themes.

This year, he Read Across America theme is Celebrate Diversity and two of this month’s featured books are available here at BCL:

• A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp, recommended for elementary schoolers, and
• You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh, recommended for middle grade readers.

In addition to Read Across America Day, March is National Reading Month and Women’s History Month, which both highlight Read Across America’s mission to promote both literacy and diversity.Read Across America has reading lists of recommended books for both of these, including titles that can be found here at BCLS.

For National Reading Month, a selection of picture books including:

• Dreamers by Yuyi Morales,
• I am a Story by Dan Yaccarino, and
• The Night Library by David Zeltser.

And for Women’s History Month, we have:

• Call Me Miss Hamilton by Carole Boston Weatherford,
• The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter, and
• Planting Stories by Anika Denise.

Want one of the books on the list, that isn't here? Check out this list of free resources and programs.And, if you’re looking for diverse books the authors themselves will read to your children, check out KidLit TV’s Read Out Loud program. No matter what way you celebrate diversity and literacy, NEA’s Read Across America Program is here to support you.

Happy reading!