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.
Read Across America
It's #ReadAcrossAmerica Day! You can spread kindness through books and elevate your students' love of reading with our California Reads books. Every year, California educators recommend books for multiple age groups.
Tweet This2025-2026 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.
- 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
- My Two Border Towns
- Wishes
- Lubna and Pebble
- Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
- Captivating Stories for Curious Kids
- A Long Walk to Water
- Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
- The Length of a String
- New Kid
- Love in English
- With the Fire on High
- Warrior Girl Unearthed
Ink Spell Books
CTA partners with independent bookseller Ink Spell Books, based in Half Moon Bay, to offer California Reads books – and most all other books – at a 20% discount for CTA members (CTA2026). Use the link below to the Ink Spell website to access your discount.
