Read Across America Day is a national, annual initiative held on March 2nd to promote the joy of reading, particularly for children and young adults. Many schools, libraries, and community centers across America participate in the day by bringing people together to take part in reading books.
Reading is important for overall wellness. It’s a time to slow down and unwind. There are actually many benefits to reading. It helps reduce stress, improves memory and empathy, boosts positive emotions and enhances brain health. It even combats depression and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s!
Some activities that could be done on RAAD are:
- Host Guest Readers and Speakers – One example is having high school students read to the younger grades.
- It’s Dr. Seuss’s Birthday – Have a birthday celebration
- Plan a character parade
- Organize buddy readers
- Have a Pajama Day
- Decorate a hallway for RAAD and Wellness Week
Be You. Live Well. is the theme for Wellness Week with Herren.
Here are a few book suggestions that capture the spirit of being yourself while living well that you can incorporate into Read Across America Day.
Elementary:
- I Am Human – Susan Verde
- You’re Perfect the Way You Are – Richard Nelson
- My Magic Breath – Nick Ortner
- The Farmer’s Water Bucket – A.M. Marcus
- I Can Do Hard Things – Gabi Garcia
Middle School:
- Hatchet – Gary Paulsen
- The Running Dream – Wendelin Van Draanen
- Smile – Raina Telgemeier
- Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom – Booki Vivat
- Whatever You Are, Be a Good One – Lisa Congdon
Young Adult:
- Girl in Pieces – Kathleen Glasgow
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – Betty Smith
- Go Ask Alice – Beatrice Sparks
- A Million Little Pieces – James Frey
Adult:
- The Compassionate Life: Walking the Path of Kindness – Marc Ian Barasch
- Your Next 24 Hours – Hal Donaldson
- Have a Little Faith: A True Story – Mitch Albom
- Belong – Radha Agrawal
- Basketball Junkie: A Memoir – Chris Herren
