March is National Reading Month – the perfect time to fall back in love with reading or discover something new.
Reading and a love of learning can help children and adults reach their potential, as well as fostering empowerment and opening up new perspectives.
Looking to add to your reading list? We asked local nonprofit leaders for their recommendations. Here’s our list of books to inspire you and the young people in your life this year.
Books for Adults
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
-Julie Fox, Executive Director, Immigrant Home English Learning Program
Here for It by R. Eric Thomas
-United Way staff pick
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
-Sharon Hales, Community Outreach Manager, The Oasis Institute
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
-United Way staff pick
Factfulness by Hans Rosling
– Arrey Obenson, President and CEO, International Institute of St. Louis
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
-United Way staff pick
We Can’t Breathe by Jabari Asim
-Sal Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, Employment Connection
If at Birth You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner
-United Way staff pick
Books for Kids
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (All ages)
-Elizabeth Pawloski, CVA, National Director Tutoring Partnerships and Expansion, The Oasis Institute
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault (Ages 1-4)
-United Way staff pick
I Am So Brave! by Stephen Krensky (Ages 2-4)
–Ready Readers recommendation
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel (Ages 4-8)
-United Way staff pick
Twins by Varian Johnson (Ages 8-13)
-Constance Gully, President and CEO, Parents as Teachers
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (Teens and young adults)
-Jane Donahue, President, St. Louis Public Schools Foundation
Take action now:
- Discover all the ways reading benefits young people.
- Share this story with family and friends.
