“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” –Dr. Seuss
Books offer an amazing world of discovery and adventure for kids. Plus, reading actually raises your child’s level of perspective-taking and empathy. Through books, kids learn about different cultures, belief systems, and perspectives. They learn that their world is extremely small.
You want to know about the world and all the big questions about life? Read.
Do you want to know how to crochet a scarf? Read.
Do you want to know how to make slime? Read.
You want to learn about Alexander Hamilton or Walt Disney? Read.
March is Read Across America month! Started by the National Education Association (NEA) in the 90s, this is the largest celebration of reading that focuses on motivating kids to bury their heads in a good book. I can’t think of a reason not to read, can you? And with that, I think we should do all we can to help get our kids interested in the topics that interest them most!
“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” –Frank Serafini
My eight-year-old does not have a love of reading…unless it’s a graphic novel. So, we get her graphic novels! These are books with detailed pictures, like comic books. When I hand her black-and-white pages, she scoffs. When I give her glorious, bright, colorful pages, she comes to life.
So, how do we find the books that kids want to bury their heads in and take in with every morsel of their soul? Oh, let me count the ways!
Read Across America Recommends
From African American authors to trailblazing women, the Read Across America website offers an entire list of books specific to many different cultures, identities, and interests. Also, I implore you to go to your local library! There are lots of books, and the librarians are eager to help kids find books they will love. Plus, there are fun little nooks and crannies to hunker down and let kids immerse themselves as they thumb the pages of their books.
Free Books
1. Your local library
Almost any book you could ever want is in the library, and if you can’t find it, the librarian can usually get it for you. Below are some of the main Collin County library systems to make it easy for you. And many of these libraries share resources, so when you live in one city, you’re able to check out books in other cities.
2. Open Library
Browse almost 30,000 books that can be read right from an electronic device (phone, tablet, computer).
3. International Children’s Library
Lots of books that span the globe, giving a voice to many cultures.
4. Overdrive
If you haven’t given Overdrive a test drive, you’re missing out! Once you have a library card, simply download Overdrive onto your electronic device and you can digitally borrow online books.
Mom Book Recommendations
I put my mom feelers out and asked the experts (local Collin County moms) for their favorite books. Here is what they said:
- Go Dog Go by Dr. Seuss
Mischievous dogs having a typical dog day. Simple language and lots of humor with all the nuances of work, play, and fun! - Monty Goes South by Marc Tetro
Based on a goose who wants to fly South but is afraid of heights. A great book for kids about conquering fear. - There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent
When Billy tells his mom there’s a dragon in his room, she reassures him there are no such things as dragons. Unfortunately, this only makes the dragon bigger! Go on a fun adventure with Billy. - Save Me a Seat! by Gita Varadarajan
This is a tale of two people from two cultures stuck in a common life scenario—school! - The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
A poem about growing up and choosing bravely and wisely who you want to be. - Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Monkeys and their monkey business on adventures that will make your little one laugh hysterically. - Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A boy wreaks havoc on the household when he is sent to bed without supper. - The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin
A wacky adventure and an alternative language, where family becomes “fambly” and extremely becomes “distremely.” - Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney
Calling names is not okay! This book explores a common childhood dilemma. - A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
Camilla doesn’t want to eat her lima beans because her friends dislike them, and she doesn’t want to feel different. - The Hundred Dresses by Louis Slobodkin
Wanda gets teased when her teacher puts her in the worst seat in the classroom. - The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
A book about optimism and hard work. - What Should Danny Do by Mat Sadler
Children exercise their power of choice and control when they choose their own outcome at the end of this book.
Read Across America Calendar
Read Across America has book recommendations every month, not just March. Check their website for books they suggest and download this calendar to follow along.
