Read for a Better World Philosophy
Diverse books are a critical tool for teaching readers about the world. As they explore the experiences and perspectives of others, readers can better understand their own identity and how best to use their voice. We believe children can learn diversity and acceptance when learning to read and when reading to learn.
How It Works
Read for a Better World is built upon a progressive framework to meet children where they are and to help them grow as readers and as people.
PREK-1: Books and activities teach readers that they are a part of a big, diverse world.
GRADES 2-3: As readers gain in learning, they are introduced to key figures and issues in that diverse world.
GRADES 4-5: This collection helps readers understand their own identity and place in the world as it relates to history and current events.
“We hope you can use Read for a Better World to build literacy skills and empathy. We’ve also given a lot of thought to how you will weave these books into your daily instruction. The Read for a Better World Educator Guide will help you talk about race, culture, and gender with various age groups. These hands-on guides offer practical tips and lesson plans to help you put theory into action. Readers can use the activities in the Student Action and Reflection Guide to further build skills and extend learning.
Perspective-shifting work is critical to building empathy and self-knowledge. These research-based theories, tips, and tools provide a strong foundation for building a diverse library and for talking about diverse subjects with your students.”
Tonya Leslie, PhD
Author of Read for a Better World Educator Guides
Components
About Lerner Publishing Group
Lerner Publishing Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned children’s publishers with more than 5,000 books in print. With accolades including a Caldecott Honor, National Book Award Finalists, Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards and Honors, Batchelder Award Honors, Sibert Medals and more, Lerner’s books are consistently recognized by reviewers and award committees as being among the best children’s books published. Based in Minneapolis since its founding in 1959, Lerner creates nonfiction and fiction books that educate, empower, and entertain readers in the library, in the classroom, and at home.
Why Choose Read for a Better World from Lerner?
✔ Lerner knows literacy
✔ Top 5 independent children's book publisher since 1959
✔ Known and trusted by teachers and librarians
✔ Books kids choose to read
✔ 60+ years of publishing diverse books
✔ Committed to helping readers grow as students and as people
✔ Exclusive educator discount on award-winning and highly reviewed books
Research Supports the Funding of Classroom Libraries: Get the Whitepaper
Robust classroom and at-home libraries can accelerate literacy and create a life-long love of reading. ESSER funding can help you get quality books into the hands of students, engage families in literacy, and close literacy gaps. Download our whitepaper, “Literacy is the Gateway to Learning.” In this whitepaper, discover compelling research that will support your quest for funding:
Why supporting literacy in the classroom and beyond matters
How access to books impacts literacy development
Why now is the time to build robust classroom libraries and provide access to books at home