Answer from GPT:
Access to diverse and engaging reading materials is essential for fostering a love of reading among students. The National Education Association (NEA) offers a curated list of organizations that provide free or low-cost books and resources to schools and programs serving children in need. Here are some notable programs:
• First Book: A non-profit that offers new books and educational resources at significantly reduced prices.
• We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) in the Classroom: Provides grants to educators for purchasing diverse titles and hosting related events.
• Better World Books: Donates books in good condition received from libraries and book drives.
• Little Free Library: Supports the establishment of book-sharing boxes to increase access to books in communities.
In addition to physical books, there are platforms offering free online reading materials:
• Vooks: An online library of animated storybooks, free for teachers’ classroom use on one device.
• Epic!: Provides access to thousands of books for educators and students during school hours.
For more information and a comprehensive list of resources, visit the NEA’s Free Materials page. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/support-your-readers/free-materials
What is the "Read Across America" site about?
The Read Across America initiative, created by the National Education Association (NEA), is a year-round program designed to:
- Celebrate reading
- Promote literacy
- Highlight diverse books and voices
Originally tied to Dr. Seuss’s birthday, it has since evolved into a more inclusive program that uplifts books representing all students, encouraging them to read stories that reflect their lives and broaden their perspectives.
The site includes:
• 📅 Monthly book recommendations with themes around identity, community, and growth
• 🎒 Classroom resources for educators
• 💬 Author spotlights and student engagement ideas
• 📚 A push for diverse, age-appropriate reading across all grade levels
• 🔗 Links to free materials, lesson plans, and literacy resources
It’s all about helping educators and families build a culture of reading that’s joyful, inclusive, and accessible.
You can check out the full site here:
Answer from GPT