Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
N O W I S A G R E A T T I M E to introduce your students to good books for summer reading. Encourage them to choose from the 2026 CTA California Reads list of teacher-vetted books for all age levels. Here are a few; find more and past years' lists at cta.org/careads. Members can purchase all books with a 20% discount at Ink Spell Books (use code CTA2026). My Two Border Towns (David Bowles, author, and Erika Meza, illustrator; Pre-K–grade 3) offers a nuanced perspective of life along the Rio Grande. Readers follow a father and son's weekend ritual to El Otro Lado/ The Other Side, where they eat at their favorite restaurant, run errands and enjoy paletas (frozen treats). The story culminates in a powerful act of helping the community at the border bridge. This book is a perfect tool for teachers to discuss empathy, asylum and the complexity of the U.S.-Mexico border with compassion and vibrancy. Available in English and Spanish. When Yusuf is confronted by townspeople protesting a new mosque on the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, can he maintain his joyful outlook? Yusuf A zeem Is Not a Hero (Saadia Faruqi; grades 3+) follows Yusuf, a boy determined to win a regional robotics competition despite rising tensions in his Texas town. As he navigates prejudice that feels both historical and painfully current, Yusuf learns to persevere. This story can help young readers understand recent U.S. history, its modern impact and the power of holding onto joy and friendship. Love in English (Maria E. Andreu; grades 9+) is the story of Ana, a sixteen-year old poet and language- lover who has recently moved to New Jersey from Argentina. While at first lacking the words to fully express herself, Ana meets Harrison, who shows her love is a universal language. However, when she meets a Greek Cypriot boy named Neo in ESL, she learns matters of the heart are even more difficult to navigate than English grammar. With clever moments exploring the oddities of the English language, this witty and lighthearted story beautifully captures the immigrant experience. By Amy Peruzzaro Learning Through Reading Books to Celebrate Special Days Special times call for good reads. For example, young students can learn about Pride Month in June and Juneteenth with an abundance of informative, vibrant books. Try Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders (Harvey Milk Day is May 22) and Juneteenth Is by Northern California author Natasha Triplett (Juneteenth is June 19). 10 cta.org In the Know N E W S & N O T E S