Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1533049
Read Acro America Wk C T A C E L E B R A T E D a nation of diverse readers March 3–7 — and beyond — during Read Across America Week. NEA offers a Read Across America calendar with 12 months of recommended books, authors and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion. Choose a few relevant, age-appropriate books for your students and spread the love of reading. Visit nea.org/readacrossamerica. The Need to Read M A R C H I S A L W A Y S a grand time to have students read a few good books, what with Read Across America Week, March 3–7 (see below). Choose from CTA's 2025 California Reads list — teacher-vetted books for all grade levels that open young eyes to new worlds and ways of life. Here are a few picks; for the complete list visit cta.org/careads. Read Across America selection Poetry Comics (Grant Snider, author and illustrator) presents clever, calming poems in graphic novel-style panels about everything from new shoes and falling leaves to friendship and growing up. In Stacey 's Extraordinary Words (Stacey Abrams, author; Kitt Thomas, illustrator; preschool-grade 3), the bestselling activist and author embarks on a tale of perseverance based on her own childhood. Stacey, a word-loving girl, faces anxiety about the spelling bee. Fear of failure and bullying threaten to silence her. The story gently explores themes of determination and self- worth, reminding young readers that their voices matter. Stacey 's relatable and inspiring effort to overcome her fears make the book a wonderful choice for children navigating similar challenges. The Hundred Dresses (Eleanor Estes, author; Louis Slobodkin, illustrator; grades 1–4) is a timeless tale about empathy and standing up for others. Wanda Petronski, a shy girl constantly mocked for wearing the same blue dress every day, becomes the unwitting catalyst for her classmates' understanding of prejudice and the pain it causes. When Wanda is forced to leave school, her classmates are compelled to confront their own complicity in her suffering. A powerful and moving reminder that kindness and compassion are essential qualities in a just society. The Silence Between Us (Alison Gervais, author; grades 7–9) explores the experiences of a Deaf teenager navigating a hearing world. Maya, a vibrant and tenacious young woman, faces the challenges of a new school, cultural differences and the complexities of first love. Gervais masterfully captures the nuances of Deaf culture, offering a nuanced perspective on communication, identity and self-acceptance. The novel will resonate with Deaf and hearing audiences alike. 9 M A R C H 2 0 2 5