The “Read Across America” event has morphed over the years. Once firmly focused on Dr. Seuss and his birthday,* it now has refocused on the importance of diverse books in schools.

The reason behind the change is that there are a few Dr. Seuss books that are problematic due to how they portray some of their characters. See the links at the bottom of this article for links for further research.

The NEA handled this exactly right. Better that there is a wider focus on reading. Below you can see resources provided by NEA.

Most school districts are likely to schedule the event for Friday, March 1 (because March 2) falls on a Saturday). In actual fact, there have been a number of events this week and it is likely they will continue into next week.

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RESOURCES
NEA’s Read Across America Diverse Books Challenge

Find the book or books you wish to read

Support Your Readers
Three Great Standards-Aligned Reading Resources for All Grade Levels
Summer Reading Guide
Tips for Reading to Young, School-Age Children
How to Read to Infants and Toddlers
Read Across America for Parents
How to Raise an Avid Reader

Free Materials
Free or Low-Cost Books
Free Books to Read Online
Free Audiobooks and Video Read Alouds
Book Distribution Programs

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

5 ways to celebrate Read Across America Day 2024 (Microsoft)

NEA’s Read Across America (Reading Rockets)

Celebrate Read Across America Week With These Special Books, Themes and Dress Up Days, March 4-8, 2024! (Van Meter Library / Shannon McLintock Miller)

THE DOCTOR SEUSS CONTROVERSY*

If you would like to do additional research on the controversy, the links allow should help.

6 Dr. Seuss books will stop being published because of racist imagery

The Dr. Seuss Controversy: What Educators Need to Know

Are Dr. Seuss’ books racist? Experts weigh in on controversy

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Updated 2/29/2024