Plan Your Classroom Reading Calendar With These Great Books

1. Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Grades K–3)

Seven-year-old Muhammad gets help from his teacher to find the perfect place to pray on his new salat (prayer rug).

2. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Grades 4–6)

This multi-award-winning bestseller follows 6th grader Miranda on a clandestine search for the person who is sending her mysterious messages.

3. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez (Grades 7–12)

After Julia’s sister dies in a tragic accident, she must carry on with her grief as she finds her own identity and deals with the traditional expectations of her Mexican American family.

4. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (Grades K–3)

This delightful picture book paints a picture of a joyful school where all are welcomed with open arms—a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

5. Answers in the Pages by David Levithan (Grades 4–6)

What would you do if your mom was leading the cause to have a beloved book banned from your school’s curriculum? Donovan knows it’s time to stand up and take action.

6. This Is My America by Kim Johnson (Grades 7–12)

Seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont is struggling with the fact that her father is an innocent Black man on death row. When her older brother is accused of a heinous crime, Tracy knows she must take action to prevent history from repeating itself.

7. Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales (Grades K–3)

Written by a real-life DACA dreamer, this sweet picture book tells the story of Areli, who arrives in the United States right before kindergarten. She enters a whole new world in the big city and must find her way in her new homeland.

9. Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez (Grades 7–12)

Written by renowned author Julia Alvarez, this compelling YA tale tells the story of one girl’s brave escape from Trujillo’s reign of terror in the Dominican Republic.

10. This Land by Ashley Fairbanks (Grades K–3)

Long ago, the land we all live on was the traditional homeland of many Indigenous nations. This beautifully illustrated story encourages children to look back and honor the history and nobility of the people that came before us.

• Buy it: This Land at Random House Children’s Books

11. Race to the Truth: Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs (Grades 4–6)

Until now, you may have only heard one side of the story: the story about the “discovery” of America by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists. Here’s the true story of America from the Indigenous perspective.

12. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (Grades 7–12)

This is the Young Readers Edition of the New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist about one of history’s most ruthless and shocking crimes: the Reign of Terror against the Osage people.

13. Eight Sweet Nights: A Festival of Lights by Charlotte Offsay (Grades K–3)

This charmingly illustrated story shares the meaning and history of the Jewish Festival of Lights. From foods and traditions to Hanukkah vocabulary words, your students will delight in this family-friendly picture book.

14. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Grades 4–6)

This epic middle grade fantasy follows heroes Christopher and Mal as they race to save the world’s last magical place and the amazing creatures that live there.

15. Snowglobe by Soyoung Park (Grades 7–12)

Snowglobe is a vast climate-controlled dome protected from the frozen wastelands of the world outside. To provide solace for the outsiders, reality-style TV shows about the citizens of Snowglobe stream 24 hours a day. When Chobahm gets the opportunity to become part of the cast, she learns that the show’s rosy portrayal is far from the truth.

16. The Creature of Habit by Jennifer E. Smith (Grades K–3)

What will happen when the creature of habit encounters a new friend that doesn’t follow the same routine? A tale of being open to other perspectives and the joy of trying new things.

17. Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta (Grades 4–6)

Colombian American city kid Santi heads upstate to stay with his grandmother for the summer. When he gets there, he finds out the other kids look like him but they all speak Spanish. Will the language barrier get in the way of fun and friendship?

18. Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson (Grades 7–12)

Adapted for young adults, this is the engrossing memoir of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. It is a tale of intelligence, perseverance, and belief in oneself that is sure to inspire.

• Buy it: Lovely One at Random House Children’s Books

19. Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades K–3)

A visually stunning compendium of African American history. From the dark chapter of slavery to the battle for civil rights to modern-day struggles, this book is a celebration of a persistence, faith, and determination.

20. The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis (Grades 4–6)

The 25th anniversary edition of the beloved classic. When the Watson family heads south for a summer road trip to Grandma’s house, they don’t realize they are heading toward one of the darkest events of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

21. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama (Grades 7–12)

In this young adult adaptation of Barack Obama’s bestselling memoir, the former president delves into his family’s unique history as he grapples with the formation of his own values, purpose, and identity.

22. How To Solve a Problem by Ashima Shiraishi (Grades K–3)

World-class competitive rock climber Ashima Shiraishi shares inspiring tales of perseverance and grit as encouragement for young people to follow their dreams.

23. Trailblazers: Jane Goodall: A Life With Chimps (Grades 4–6)

From the popular biography series Trailblazers comes the amazing story of naturalist Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking life with chimpanzees produced some of the most impactful research in the field, inspiring girls and women everywhere.

31. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders (Grades K–3)

An age-appropriate introduction to lawyer and activist Harvey Milk, a pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and creator of one the most recognizable symbols of hope: the rainbow flag.

32. Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee (Grades 4–6)

This enchanting coming-of-age graphic novel follows 12-year-old Katie, who’s excited for all the changes an almost-teenager has to look forward to. But when she develops a crush on another girl, she has to deal with some big feelings and learn the importance of following her own heart.

33. Hick by Sarah Miller (Grades 7–12)

First lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a tireless champion for women’s rights, civil rights, and social justice. But a lesser-known chapter of her story involves journalist Lorena Hickok, who became her confidant, closest ally, and romantic partner.

34. I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong (Grades K–3)

Mia sees and understands the world differently than many others. As a child with Down syndrome, she celebrates her differences and shines a light on the gifts of being neurodivergent.