By Beth Orsini, 7th Grade ELA Teacher, Melican Middle School The challenge in finding an All School, One Read selection for middle school is that it must resonate with students from grades six to eight, as well as with adults. The book must have compelling characters, those whom students will want to read about in the

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.” Physician Denis Mukwege has dedicated his life to helping victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Held from September 23 – 29, Banned Books Week is an annual event that brings together the entire book community—readers, librarians, publishers, booksellers, educators, and journalists –in shared support of the freedom to read. Launched in 1982 in response to a tide of challenges to books in schools and libraries, Banned Books Week highlights the

A story across countries, generations, and time, Dream Country follows one single African-and-American family pursuing an elusive dream of freedom from Liberia to America and back. Told in five different sections, Shannon Gibney spins a riveting tale of the nightmarish spiral of death and exile connecting America and Africa, and of how one determined young

Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy has a powerful message and is a frequent choice for first year and community-wide reading programs. In his book, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative delves deep into the broken U.S. justice system, detailing his many challenges and efforts as a lawyer and social advocate, especially on behalf of America’s

Character units are a part of many lesson plans across schools. Kids are often looking for heroes and character units are a great way to introduce young readers to not just heroes, but how important character is and that it can help everyday people turn into heroes. Welles Crowther did not see himself as hero.

Debuting at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and soon to be a major motion picture, SMALL GREAT THINGS was chosen for the 2017 National Teachers of the Year social justice booklist for high school – adult readers, a resource for educators, parents, community members, and policy makers interested in reaching young people on issues of social justice.

Karan Mahajan, author of THE ASSOCIATION OF SMALL BOMBS, discusses his idol, what inspires him, the first book he loved, and his biggest fear as a writer.

Women’s history is still under-discussed and undervalued, doubly so when it comes to the history of women of color.  We’re highlighting some of our recent favorite titles, bringing these women’s stories and perspectives to the forefront.

Zachary Wood explains why he invites white supremacy apologists to his campus in this selection from UNCENSORED, excerpted at The Guardian.

Tara Westover speaks to students and teachers at the Academy of American Studies in Long island City, NY, about her memoir, EDUCATED.

Common Reads presents a list of classic and contemporary dystopian fiction with offerings for all-ages, ideal for use in both first-year and community reads.