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).

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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’s sending her mysterious messages.

Download the When You Reach Me Educators’ Guide.

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3. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez (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.

Download the I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter Discussion Guide.

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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.

Download the All Are Welcome Educators’ Guide.

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5. White Bird by R.J. Palacio (Grades 3–7)

From the bestselling author of Wonder comes Palacio’s graphic novel debut. A young Jewish girl takes refuge with a sympathetic family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II. With captivating illustrations, the story affirms the power of kindness in Palacio’s signature style.

Download the White Bird Educators’ Guide.

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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.

Download the This Is My America Discussion Guide.

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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.

Download the Areli Is a Dreamer Discussion Guide.

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Discover more Random House Children’s Books in Spanish.

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.

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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.

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

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.

Download the Race to the Truth Educators’ Guide.

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12. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (Grades 5 and up)

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.

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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.

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14. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Grades 4 and up)

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.

Download the Impossible Creatures Educators’ Guide.

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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.

Download the Snowglobe Educators’ Guide.

16. A Spark of Greatness by Laila Ali (Pre-K to Grade 3 )

Following in the footsteps of her father, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, was no easy task for Laila Ali. A trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Ali became an undefeated champion through years of hard work, grit, and an undying belief in herself.

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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?

Download the Speak Up, Santiago! Educators’ Guide.

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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.

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19. Black Hands by Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades 1–4)

This gorgeously illustrated picture book is a tribute to the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to the culture, politics, economy, and landscape of the United States.

Download the Black Hands poster and related activities.

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20. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Grades 5 and up)

A beloved classic, this Newbery Medal winner has delighted generations of learners. Set in the heart of the Great Depression, 10-year-old Bud hits the road in search of his long-lost father with his own inspiring brand of humor and perseverance.

Download the Bud, Not Buddy Educators’ Guide.

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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.

Download the Dreams From My Father Discussion Guide.

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22. Door by Door by Meeg Pincus (Pre-K to Grade 3)

An intriguing nonfiction book that tells the story our country’s first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sarah McBride.

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23. The Lost Women of Science by Melina Gerosa Bellows and Katie Hafner (Grades 3–7)

This captivating nonfiction selection profiles 10 trailblazing women scientists, unveiling their vast accomplishments and influence in the world of STEM.

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

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

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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.

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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.

Download the Hick Discussion Guide.

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34. I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong (Pre-K to Grade 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.

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