Read and Grow Across America Reading Challenge

This unique reading challenge invites students to explore different parts of the country and learn about people and places beyond their own experiences. By immersing themselves in diverse stories, they can discover new cultures and see beyond their horizons. This challenge is best for students in Grades 3 - 8.

Here's a Google Slides show you can copy and share with your classroom. It has full instructions and your class can do their own tracking as well when copied:

Instructions for the Read and Grow Across American Classroom Reading Challenge:

1. Students Pick Books:

The students should choose books set in a specific state or by an author from that state. 

Research may be required on the setting or the author’s background since not all books have a setting. 

2. Track Your States:

Use the Google Slides worksheet or print out our 11" x 17" map to record the book title and whether it represents the author’s home state or the book’s setting. 

Example: Big Nate could count for Iowa (author’s home) or Maine (book setting).

Since not all books have a setting, learning about the author can create that interest in a new place and culture.

Want to print instead of use the Google Slides? 

 3. Goal for the Classroom:
As a group, try to “visit” as many states as possible by reading books! 

Can you get to all 50?