Books That Will Get Everyone Reading on Read Across America Day
Books That Will Get Everyone Reading on Read Across America Day
On March 2nd of every year, readers across the globe celebrate reading in all its forms. National Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) to instill the love of reading in children’s hearts and minds. The day falls on the birthday of one of the most beloved authors of all time, Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr.Seuss. In honour of this day, I have rounded up some of my favourite books for readers of all ages.
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr, Illustrated by Eric Carle (24 pages)
Image via Maiya Alismaili
We come across animals of different colours, each one commenting on the animal they have seen. Are we going to see a blue horse? Perhaps a purple cat next? What do the teacher and students see in the end? Follow along this endearing, colourful book that is bound to keep the youngest readers entertained.
Why You Should Read It
There are many board books that teach children about colours and animals, but I loved this one because of the unique singsong storytelling and the unconventional animal colours that are sure to make little ones laugh. The rhythmic, repetitive text is perfect for children who enjoy repetition and they are likely to remember stories that rhyme. It is also interactive, as children are encouraged to read (or sing!) along as they look at a new animal on each page. Illustrator Eric Carle is well known for his work on The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and if you enjoyed that one you are guaranteed to love this one too. It is the perfect board book to gift babies and toddlers alike.
Brookie Scale
5/5 Brookie Stars
2. The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly (30 Pages)
Image via Maiya Alismaili
Faizah is very excited about the first day of school. She knows this is going to be an especially exciting day for her big sister Asiya, as she will be wearing the hijab for the very first time. Asiya chooses a beautiful ocean blue hijab, and according to Faizah, she looks just like a princess. It comes as a surprise to her however when not everyone thinks the hijab is beautiful. Faizah comes face to face with bullies, and will have to find a way to be strong in the face of adversity.
Why You Should Read It
I absolutely love the representation in this picture book. Black Muslim women are a minority group we hardly see in literature, and to have them represented in a picture book is beautiful. I love that these sisters take pride in their hijab, and realize that part of what makes them “different” is worth celebrating. The message can be used across the board, to inspire children no matter their differences. It encourages children to stand up for what they believe in and embrace who they are. Author Ibtihaj Muhammad is a role model in every sense of the word. Not only did she write this inspiring book and gave a voice to the underrepresented, but she is an Olympic gold medalist in fencing too! This book makes the perfect gift for early readers from all walks of life.
Brookie Scale
5/5 Brookie Stars
3. We Dream Of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly (381 pages)
Image via Maiya Alismaili
The Nelson Thomas siblings grow up in the same house, go to the same school, and are even in the same grade- yet they could not be any more different from one another. Cash is into basketball, Fitch spends every waking hour in the arcade, and Bird dreams of becoming NASA’s first female shuttle commander. While they each try to navigate their school life and dysfunctional home, there is one thing that binds them together: their science teacher, Ms. Salonga. With the launch of the space shuttle The Challenger merely weeks away, she encourages her students to learn more about the launch. Each sibling has a varying degree of interest in it, but Bird essentially builds her life around it as she hopes to find her future self in NASA. When the day of the launch finally arrives, and thousands of eyes are watching, waiting, anticipating–the Nelson Thomas lives change forever.
Why You Should Read It
If you were ever hesitant about picking up a middle grade book as an adult reader, I would immediately turn your attention to this novel. Erin Entrada Kelly is an incredible writer and storyteller. Her ability to tell a story from the perspective of a twelve year old is unmatched. She masterfully captures the mindset of these young siblings, giving them a very authentic voice. Kelly has talent for writing complex, raw, and realistic characters and this book was no exception. I was transported back to when I was twelve, and wished a book like this was available to me then. This novel will captivate readers of all ages, and I believe would make an excellent addition to middle grade curriculums.
Brookie Scale
5/5 Brookie Stars
4. All These Bodies by Kendare Blake (288 pages)
Image via Maiya Alismaili
A murder spree has plagued Midwest USA, leaving investigators and the public panicking for answers. Bodies of the victims are found completely drained of blood, with no trace of it anywhere in the crime scene. This all comes to an unsettling end when fifteen-year-old Marie Catherine Hale is found at the crime scene, and this time there was plenty of blood to be found–all over Marie’s body. She will not speak to anyone except the son of the town’s local sheriff, Michael Jensen. Hoping this will catapult his journalistic dream, Michael meets with Marie and listens to her bizarre stories. Is she telling the truth? Is the truth ever subjective when it comes to murder?
Why You Should Read It
Kendare Blake perfectly captures the vibes of a small, midwestern town in the 1950s. She sets the tone so well, which I found truly brought the story to life. Everything from the mannerism of small town folks, to the way investigations were handled back then are all on-point. While the ending of this young adult novel might leave you with more questions than answers, I truly enjoyed trying to put the pieces together on my own. The fact that this book constantly kept me thinking, analyzing, and dissecting the events says to me that it has succeeded. If you are in the mood for a creepy, send-shivers-down-your-spine horror, I definitely recommend All These Bodies.
Brookie Scale
4/5 Brookie Stars
5. Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin (333 pages)
Image via Maiya Alismaili
Ayesha Shamsi is living her life the best way she knows how. She put aside her dreams of becoming a poet to pursue a secure job as a teacher. It will allow her to pay back her debts to her wealthy uncle, who lives around the corner with his family, including her cousin Hafsa. Her conservative yet rambunctious Muslim family are constantly reminding her of all the marriage proposals Hafsa has been receiving, which she has been flaunting. Ayesha is not opposed to marriage; she just doesn’t want an arranged one. Then she meets Khalid, he is everything she does not want in a spouse and yet there is something about him that she cannot resist. Through a series of irritating events all to save Hafsa’s reputation, Ayesha lies about her identity to Khalid. The results of her deception hurt her more than she expected.
Why You Should Read It
This modern day rendition of Pride and Prejudice is everything you would want in a contemporary novel. It has the perfect enemies to lovers trope, a strong female lead, and just the right balance of family drama. For a debut novel, author Uzma Jalaluddin truly knocks it out of the park. I absolutely loved the accurate representation of a modern Muslim woman. As a multi-layered novel, the stories intertwine so well and add depth to the story. For a book with many conflicts and resolutions, Jalalddin pulls it off masterfully. This has made it to my list of all-time favourites, and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone.
Brookie Scale
5/5 Brookie Stars
Loved our roundup? DM us on social @booknbrunch to let us know!
Maiya Alismaili is a 34 year old bookacholic who currently resides in Ottawa. With a background in Human Resources and Psychology, you will often find her people watching. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she will likely be exploring the town for new bookstores, rewatching Gilmore Girls, or cleaning to 80s music. Favorite Book: A Fine Balance By Rohinton Mistry
Favorite Brunch Spot: Cafe Cristal
