Great Summer Reads for Educators!

Banned Books: Celebrate the Freedom to Read!

So many choices! The American Library Association recorded more than 1,200 book challenges in 2022, more than double the number reported in 2021. And this year's number is set to outpace last year's record high.

Twilight used to be at the top of banned-book lists for its racy content. Today, those lists are much more likely to feature LGBTQ+ people or People of Color. Indeed, the top two books banned in 2022 were Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, about identifying outside the gender binary, and All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson.

Illinois high school librarian Amanda Shaffer learned to love reading because of a banned book. "I hated reading until I was in early high school," she says. "A friend basically threw [Twilight by Stephenie Meyer] at me, and I haven't stopped reading since."

Looking for more banned books? Check out Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, the dystopian novel that was turned into a 2018 blockbuster movie, or Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer -described as one part Judy Blume and one part Amy Schumer.

Books that Will Make You a Better Educator

Yes, it's summer. But an educator is an educator every day, every week, and every season of the year. This is a great time to work on your craft, using a book recommended by a peer.

California teacher Gillian Brittan says, "If you care about learning in your space," check out Cris Tovani's books about literacy, such as I Read it, But I Don't Get It, or Why Do I Have To Read This.

The Geranium on the Windowsill Just Died But Teacher You Went Right On by Albert Cullum is an oldie, says retired Nebraska teacher Maureen Kowker, but it still feels relevant as NEA members work to connect with students and make their lessons relevant and engaging.

Others recommended by NEA members include How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk (also useful for parents!)by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, and the classic texts by Ruby K. Payne, Lisa Delpit, Paulo Freire, and bell hooks.

Books for Children and Young Adults

Thinking about what to add to your classroom library next year? (Or to donate to somebody else's?) NEA's Read Across America has hundreds of children's and young adult (YA) recommendations.

For Pride Month, in June, the Read Across America committee recommends the YA book Milo and Marcos at the End of the World by Kevin Christopher Snipes.

Looking ahead to July, which is Disability Pride Month, consider El Deafo, the graphic memoir by Cece Bell. (And if you've never read Wonder by R.J. Palacio, don't wait another day!)

Get the New Read Across America Calendar!

Text RAA to 48744 to be the first to know when the 2023 - 2024 Read Across America calendar comes out! Or take time this summer to catch up on previous year's recommendations as possible books for your classroom or curriculum.

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