Reading is the Foundation of Learning
Since 1998, the National Education Association has celebrated Read Across America to raise awareness about the importance of reading. In 2013, CTA launched the California Reads program.
Rather than celebrate reading on just one day, California Reads promotes reading year-round with teacher-approved book recommendations for multiple age groups. California Reads also promotes reading through a yearly list of teacher-recommended books in five age categories: Pre K/TK/K, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12.
2025-2026 Teacher Recommended Books
The California Reads Committee offers teacher-approved quarterly book recommendations for multiple age groups. This year’s theme is Books without Borders.
Early Childhood Education
- What Do You Celebrate? Holidays and Festivals Around the World
- How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
- The Smile That Went Around the World
Primary School
- My Two Border Towns
- Wishes
- Lubna and Pebble
Intermediate School
- Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
- Captivating Stories for Curious Kids
- A Long Walk to Water
Middle School
- Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
- The Length of a String
- New Kid
High School
- Love in English
- With the Fire on High
- Warrior Girl Unearthed
