Celebrate “Read Across America” Day!

_{Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston, We Belong and With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero, three books recommend by the NEA for Read Across America.}

Though warm, spring weather is (hopefully) on its way to South Dakota, we are still in the midst of chilly, winter days. In my opinion, the best antidote to the cold weather is staying inside with a delicious cup of tea, a cozy blanket and a great book. From my couch in Sioux Falls, I can be transported to any place and any point in time by getting lost in a book. It turns out, this week is a great time to hunker down and read: Wednesday, March 2, is Read Across America Day.

Started by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, Read Across America Day is a celebration of reading and the joys it brings. Its aims are to encourage children and teens by sponsoring events, partnerships and resources that reflect the diversity of today’s readers. The NEA feels it is important to have books that students can, “see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.” (https://www.nea.org/resource-library/read-across-america-frequently-asked-questions).

Though aimed at children and teenagers, there is value in Read Across America Day for readers of all ages and levels. As our own students at the Center for New Americans grow in their literacy, we hope that they too will be able to read and celebrate along with their families.

Check out a few of the books that the NEA is recommending for Read Across America Day this March:

1. Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia Williams (for elementary school-age readers)
2. We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman (for middle school-age readers)
3. With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle (for young adults)

To learn more, go to https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america

Kate Harris: ESL Instructor & Career Navigator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

LSS Center for New Americans

P:  605-731-2000  | F:  605-731-2059

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100  Sioux Falls, SD 57103