Read Across America 2023

Click a book cover to hear the story read aloud.

Book summaries and lesson extensions are listed below.



 

The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson

By following their grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover their ability to use their imaginations to lift themselves up and escape their troubles as their ancestors once did.

THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

 

Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome by Kat Zhang

With the help of her family, Amy finds a way to welcome the new student in her class who has just come from China and does not speak much English.

THEME: COMMUNITY, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

 

Growing an Artist by John Parra

Juanito takes his sketchbook along to draw when he goes to work with Papi, a landscape contractor. Later, he uses his artistic talents to help his father create the plan for an entire garden and help plant it.

THEME: ENVIRONMENT, FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

 

Powow Day by Traci Sorell

River has been very sick and cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, but as she watches her family dance for her healing, she has faith she will dance again.
THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY, IDENTITY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

Sometimes All I need is Me by Juliana Perdomo

A young girl shares how she finds joy, love, and strength from within and from family and friends.

THEME: COURAGE

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

 

Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste

This picture book biography celebrates both Claudette Colvin, whose teen-aged activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and the power of collective action.

THEME: ACTIVISM, COURAGE, RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Travel the world to explore the complex history and cultural significance of the color blue.

THEME: RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



Dream Street by Euka Holmes

Everyone has a story and a dream on Dream Street, where a caring community of neighbors invite, nurture, celebrate, share, and listen to each other’s dreams.

THEME: COMMUNITY, CULTURE, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engle

A young girl visits her grandfather who is a pregonero—a singing street vendor in Cuba—and sings along with him to help him sell all kinds of fruit.

THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani Larocca

Jyoti and her grandmother, who lives in India, create special memories when they are together. Rather than saying goodbye, they look forward to the future when they will see each other again.

THEME: CULTURE, FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



‘Twas the Night Before Pride by David Bowles

On the night before Pride, one family packs snacks and makes signs as an older sibling shares the importance of the event with the newest member of the family.

THEME: ACTIVISM, COMMUNITY, FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources



 

Juna and Appa by June Park

Determined to help her father, Juna, a young Korean American girl, goes on a magical quest to help find a lost jacket in her family’s dry cleaning shop.

THEME: FAMILY

LESSON EXTENSIONS: Link to questions for discussions/reflective writing and other excellent related resources

 

 

  
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