​

Read Across America Day is Thursday, March 2.

​

Make sure you create a free educator account on Epic (getepic.com).

Make sure you are logged into your account before clicking on the images of the book covers in the menu.

​

The NEA (National Education Association) has 12 monthly themes for the 2022-23 year. I have taken those 12 themes and chosen four books for each theme. This is completely editable. If you do not like the books I’ve chosen, simply swap them out with titles the best suit your needs. Remember to always vet your resources before sharing with students so that you may anticipate any questions or conversations that may arise as a result of sharing these stories. You also want to be sure that content is both developmentally appropriate and matches your age group’s comprehension level and attention span.

​

There is one essential question for each theme that can help guide discussion after reading books within a particular theme.

​

Depending on how you celebrate in your classroom or at your school, you can pick and choose books from the menu to read. You might choose to read one each morning for the month of March or one each afternoon for the week that you celebrate Read Across Amercia. If you only celebrate Read Across America on one day, you might invite and schedule guest readers to come in throughout the day and read one book from each of the 12 themes. There is no right or wrong way to use the menu. Most importantly, we should read books with/to our students that show them a broad perspective of the world and the identities and experiences of people in our global community.

​

HOW TO USE THIS READING MENU

How can you affect change in the world around you?

How do you find the words to convey how you feel?

How can we actively work to understand others’ identities & backgrounds?

THEMES FROM THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

How can family and community assist with growth and healing?

How do we look within ourselves to find our power?

How do societal forces and economics impact us as individuals?

THEMES FROM THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

How can studying Black history inspire us today?

How do we build communities where all feel seen, heard, and validated?

How can music bring us joy?

THEMES FROM THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Why is it important to understand the diversity of families?

How can we use our voices to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

How do libraries and librarians help us develop connections to one another and the world?

THEMES FROM THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Suggested Week Long Template