Read Across America is the National Education Association’s premier literacy program, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in students of all ages. This March, the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) is joining the celebration with a special focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in literature. ISTA is highlighting the importance of diverse voices and stories, working to increase access to books that reflect the rich backgrounds and experiences of students across Indiana.
Throughout the month, ISTA will offer a variety of engaging activities designed to inspire a love of reading, introduce students to authors from different cultures and perspectives and encourage meaningful discussions around literature. By putting more books in the hands of students and raising awareness of diverse authors, ISTA aims to foster a reading community where every student sees themselves reflected in the stories they explore.
Statewide Reading Road Trip
Explore books connected to Indiana cities and Hoosier authors, log your reading and track your progress throughout the month. ISTA has developed a kids road trip and adult road trip, so readers of all ages can participate. Those who complete the road trip will receive a certificate of completion and a small prize.
Review maps below.
Weekly Classroom Book Giveaways
Submit your nomination by Friday, March 13.
Indy Book Project Book Drive
ISTA has partnered with Indy Book Project to put at least 150 books into the hands of children and families who need them most. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- New and gently used books in both English and Spanish for children ages 0 - 18 are accepted.
- Indy Book Project does NOT accept adult books, religious books, coloring/activity books, reference books (dictionaries, thesauruses, etc.), textbooks and teaching materials (including leveled readers from textbook reading series), phonics books (like BOB books), books that have been highlighted or annotated, and books that have excessive wear or are in poor quality (stained, torn, yellowed from age, etc.).
- If you have a large quantity of books you would like to donate, please ship them to ISTA Headquarters, Attn: Brytnie Dickerson, at 150 W. Market St., Suite 900, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
- If you have questions about mailing or eligible book donations, contact Brytnie Dickerson.
- Monetary donations are accepted. Check out the Indy Book Project Amazon wish list or donation link.
Tips for Hosting a Book Club
The book club experience is social and a great way to motivate kids to read, get them talking about books, and have them share ideas and perspectives. A Read Across America book club should focus on reading fun and diverse book choices, but everything else is up to you and your book club members.
Read Across America Calendar
View the Read Across America calendar. Each month, three books are featured (one each for young, middle grade and young adult readers) that explore a topic related to diversity and inclusion.
Reading Tips
Make it a Read Across America to remember with these tips for inspiring young readers at home or in the classroom.
Find Free and Low-Cost Books
Need help finding books to put into the hands of readers? Check out these resources and bring print and online books to qualifying schools and students.
Thank You to Our Partners
We’re proud to celebrate Read Across America with educators and students across the state. Thank you to the National Education Association (NEA) for its continued advocacy and support of diverse authors and inclusive literacy initiatives.
Read Across America is funded in part by NEA. We’re also grateful for partners like the Indy Book Project, whose work helps get books into the hands of students and supports a shared commitment to building a love of reading in every community.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the power of books and diverse stories.
