As March draws near, anticipation builds for a cherished event: Read Across America! March 2nd marks a day dedicated to celebrating the enchanting tales of Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. His magical stories have captivated generations, including my children, who’ve eagerly embraced the magic of reading through his imaginative creations.
Yet, discovering Dr. Seuss’s less-than-inclusive views towards Black, Asian, and Jewish communities was disheartening. However, instead of dwelling on the disappointment, let’s use this as an opportunity to infuse Read Across America with a newfound spirit of diversity.
In response to these revelations, the National Education Association (NEA) has opted for a more inclusive approach to Read Across America. Rather than solely spotlighting Dr. Seuss, the NEA now champions diversity and the celebration of all cultures as the driving force behind this literary extravaganza. They’ve curated a calendar with recommendations for embracing diversity and diverse cultures throughout the entire year!
So, let’s embrace this fresh direction and make Read Across America truly diverse this year. Here are four innovative ways to do just that:
Contents
Discover on a Literary Journey Across America:
Explore literature that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, languages, and customs across different states. This journey not only broadens horizons but also fosters a deeper appreciation for diversity among students.
Shine a Spotlight on Local Voices:
Reach out to local authors who can share their stories directly with your class through pre-recorded videos or live Zoom sessions. This not only uplifts local talent but also forges personal connections between students and the stories they’re reading.
Embrace the Beauty of Multilingual Storytelling:
Invite parents or community members fluent in another language to share beloved stories in their native tongue. This offers students a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to view familiar tales through a new cultural lens.
Champion Diverse Narratives:
Seek out stories featuring protagonists from diverse backgrounds, religions, regions, or cultures. By centering these narratives, you can help students see themselves reflected in the stories they read and cultivate empathy and understanding for others.
Here are a few book recommendations to kickstart your diverse reading journey:
Preschool / Younger Elementary
- Completely Me by Justine Green
- Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler
- A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy
- Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
- The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist
Older Elementary/Middle School
- Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supra Kelkar
- The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
- We Belong by Cookie Hiponia
- Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
- Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh
As we embark on this journey towards a more inclusive Read Across America, let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of the world through the pages of our books. Together, let’s make reading a transformative and inclusive experience for all students.
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