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Read Across America Books for Each Month of the School Year
Christy Walters
February 2, 2026
While Read Across America Day happens on March 2, the National Education Association (NEA) extends that excitement all year by offering monthly reading themes that encourage purposeful, inclusive experiences.
To support your planning—and keep the fun going—we’ve curated Read Across America books for elementary, middle, and high school students that align with each monthly theme. Each one has an accompanying Newsela ELA Novel and Book Study, which pairs titles with articles, videos, and differentiated texts to build background knowledge and turn reading celebrations into skill-building instruction.
January’s theme, “End Exclusions,” encourages students to recognize and question assumptions they may make about others. Reading selections should encourage empathy and critical thinking to help students build inclusive environments and see diversity as a strength.
This novel invites younger students to explore how outward differences can lead to unfair treatment and exclusion. Through Auggie’s experiences, students can reflect on themes like kindness, bullying, and the impact of assumptions.
This book can help elementary students begin self-reflection about fairness and empathy in accessible, concrete ways.
“New Kid” explores themes of race, class, and belonging through the perspective of a Black student navigating a predominantly white private school. Its graphic novel format makes complex social issues approachable while still prompting deep discussion.
This novel is ideal for middle schoolers who are beginning to notice differences in peer and school settings.
Note: This book addresses themes of racial bias and class differences.
This novel is often seen as a cornerstone text for examining justice. “To Kill a Mockingbird” challenges students to look at racism, moral courage, and prejudice in the South during the Great Depression.
In high school, this novel supports critical analysis and encourages students to reflect on their own roles in promoting justice and inclusion.
Note: This book includes depictions of racism, legal themes, and allegations of assault.
[February: Claim Freedom](id-feb)
February’s theme, “Claim Freedom,” invites students to see how reading can lead to personal and societal freedom. These novel selections help students understand the power of education and how reading and sharing ideas can make a more equitable world.
This novel shows how access to stories and reading can be life-changing. As Fefa discovers books and poetry despite limited access to education, students can learn that literacy offers hope, confidence, and a sense of agency.
This book is especially effective for helping elementary students see reading as more than a skill. It’s also a tool for growth, independence, and self-expression.
“The Giver” explores a society that controls information and eliminates access to books, history, and memory. As Jonas gains forbidden knowledge, students can see how education can boost freedom and personal decision-making.
This book encourages middle school students to think critically about why access to information matters and how learning can challenge power structures.
Note: This book addresses themes of government, loss, and ethical decisions.
This novel depicts a world where books and critical thinking are banned. Students can explore how censorship and fear of ideas threaten freedom, and how reading can become a rebellious act.
This novel can help high school students analyze how literacy and education protect freedom and create a more equitable world.
Note: This book includes depictions of censorship, government control, and violence.
[March: Champion Kindness](id-mar)
March’s theme, “Champion Kindness,” aims to foster a culture of care and connection. Choose novels that focus on kindness, empathy, and collaboration that help everyone feel valued and included.
This novel explores themes of friendship, compassion, and standing up for others. While Ivan forms connections with fellow animals and humans, students can see how empathy and care inspire action.
“The One and Only Ivan” can help elementary students understand how compassion and connection create a more caring and inclusive community.
“Harbor Me” follows a small group of students as they’re given time and space to talk honestly with one another. Through listening, sharing, and mutual respect, students learn how empathy and connection influence trust and healing.
This story teaches middle school students how kindness, communication, and collaboration help people feel seen and supported.
Note: This book addresses themes of racism and family incarceration.
This story focuses on friendship, emotional support, and finding belonging through vulnerability. As Charlie forms meaningful connections, students can see how kindness, empathy, and understanding help people feel valued and less alone.
High school students can see how connection and compassion can develop within their peer communities if they invest time and effort in them.
Note: This book includes depictions of mental health challenges, grief, assault, and substance abuse.
[April: Grow Your Circle](id-apr)
April’s theme, “Grow Your Circle,” asks students to deepen relationships through kindness, active listening, and shared experiences. Choose novels and books that empower students to navigate challenges confidently.
This story highlights how friendship, kindness, and attentive listening can transform lives. Through Wilbur and Charlotte’s bond, students can see how caring relationships provide comfort, courage, and strength in difficult times.
“Charlotte’s Web” can help elementary students understand how to be more resilient and confident by leaning on family and friends they can trust.
Note: This book contains themes of loss and death.
“Freak the Mighty” shows how two very different students can form a powerful friendship built on empathy, trust, and shared experiences. Their connection helps both characters grow emotionally and face adversity with more confidence.
Middle school students may connect with discovering how authentic relationships can help them navigate personal and social challenges.
Note: This book addresses themes of disability, bullying, and loss
This novel explores friendship, loyalty, and belonging during conflict and hardships. Students examine how strong relationships provide emotional support and resilience, even when external pressure can feel overwhelming.
This novel is effective for helping high school students reflect on how relationships influence choices, coping, and personal growth.
Note: This book includes depictions of violence, grief, and social conflict.
[May: Honor Heritage](id-may)
May’s theme, “Honor Heritage,” invites students to explore cultural roots and identities. Choose novels that help them build confidence and deepen their appreciation of diverse perspectives in literature.
This story draws on Chinese folklore and storytelling traditions to help students explore themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. As they follow Minli’s journey, students can see how understanding their roots builds confidence and a sense of belonging.
This book can help elementary students develop curiosity and respect for cultures while reflecting on their own identities.
“Inside Out and Back Again” follows a Vietnamese girl adjusting to life in the United States while holding on to her cultural identity. Students can explore how language, tradition, and memory shape identity.
This book resonates with middle schoolers as they consider how their own identities evolve while remaining connected to their cultures and heritage.
Note: This book addresses themes of war, displacement, and refugee experiences.
This novel traces multiple generations of a Korean family living in Japan, looking for identity and belonging amidst cultural shifts. Students can examine how cultural roots influence self-worth, resilience, and community across time.
Use this story and the background resources to deepen understanding of how cultural identity shapes confidence and perspective in complex social contexts.
Note: This book includes depictions of discrimination, poverty, violence, and adult relationships.
[June: Own Your Story](id-jun)
June’s theme, “Own Your Story,” encourages students to embrace qualities and experiences that make them unique. Choose stories that highlight differences as strengths rather than setbacks.
This story invites students to celebrate differences by showing how CeCe learns to embrace her hearing loss as part of who she is. Through humor and honesty, students can see how confidence grows when individuals accept themselves and advocate for their needs.
Use “El Deafo” to help elementary students see that everyone’s experiences are different and that those differences deserve celebration.
“Starfish” follows a girl who learns to reject the judgment of others and define herself on her own terms. Through poetry, students can explore how embracing their bodies, voices, and identities can lead to healing and confidence.
This book resonates with middle schoolers as they navigate identity development and learn the importance of self-worth.
Note: This book addresses themes of bullying and body shaming.
This novel follows a young woman who discovers her voice through poetry as she navigates culture, faith, family expectations, and identity. Students can see how self-expression can empower them to claim space and embrace who they are.
For high schoolers, this book highlights how owning your story builds confidence and personal agency.
Note: This book includes depictions of religious conflict, sexism, and sexuality.
[July: Take Charge](id-jul)
July’s theme, “Take Charge,” helps students recognize their internal power and how they can use it to shape real-world outcomes. Choose stories that encourage agency and help students move from passive participants to active decision-makers in their learning and lives.
This story shows students how they can take initiative, make choices, and learn from both success and mistakes. As the siblings in the novel compete to run lemonade businesses, students can see how planning, problem-solving, and decision-making shape outcomes.
Elementary readers can recognize that their actions matter and that they have the power to make decisions about their learning and lives.
“A Good Kind of Trouble” follows a student deciding when and how to speak up for what she believes is right. As Shay tackles friendship, advocacy, and personal values, your students can see how agency evolves through thoughtful choices and courage.
Middle schoolers may be drawn to this story as they see themselves as capable of influencing their communities and shaping outcomes through action.
Note: This book addresses themes of racism and social justice activism.
This story focuses on personal agency, choice, and perseverance. As Santiago decides to pursue his dreams, your students can explore how intention, reflection, and action shape life outcomes and personal growth.
Use “The Alchemist” to encourage high school students to see themselves as active participants in shaping their personal and academic futures.
Inspire lasting literacy growth with Read Across America Day books and Newsela ELA
Read Across America Day is about more than celebrating books. It’s about helping students connect with stories, ideas, and perspectives that shape how they see the world. With Newsela ELA, you can pair powerful stories with high-quality instructional texts that build real literacy skills while keeping students engaged.
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