Each February since 1990, NCTE’s National African American Read-In (AARI) has brought together students, teachers, families, and communities from all corners of the US to read books and celebrate literacy during Black History Month.
More than six million people have participated in the AARI since it was established by the Black Caucus of NCTE; many schools and organizations have been participating for decades. This year, hundreds of events are planned for classrooms and other gathering spots across the country.
Books are at the heart of any Read-In, no matter where it takes place. Consider celebrating #AARI26 with the titles below—all are winners of NCTE’s 2026 Children’s Book and Poetry Awards. You can peruse these titles and more at our 2026 African American Read-In list on Bookshop.org. Titles are being added regularly.
Additional Resources
- NCTE is thrilled to invite teachers, their students, and preservice teachers to our fifth annual National African American Read-In online event: a book reading, classroom activity, and conversation with Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets on February 12. This event is open to all, and many full classrooms as well as individuals are expected to attend; register to be among them. Also, NCTE members can win a free book! (Not a member? Join today.)
- Check out our calendar to register your AARI event or find a Read-In near you.
- Access the AARI Toolkit for resources to help you plan your February AARI events, including booklists, promotional materials, a new printable poster, and more.
- Last year more than 123,000 people participated in more than 1,000 events. Learn more in the 2025 African American Read-In Report Card.
- Follow us on social media and use #AARI26 in your posts to join the online conversation.
By Renée Watson (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing)
Charlotte Huck Award® Honor Book
Thirteen-year-old Sage is learning to carry grief through unexpected loss.
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim
By Kobina Commeh, illustrated by Bárbara Quintino (Barefoot Books)
Charlotte Huck Award® Honor Book
Overcoming intergenerational trauma together, these family members face their fear of learning to swim.
By Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Aaron Becker (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster)
Charlotte Huck Award® Recommended Book
A walk through their bustling city neighborhood brings a girl and her grandfather closer together.
By James E. Ransome (Nancy Paulsen Books, and imprint of Penguin Random House)
Charlotte Huck Award® Recommended Book
Through this wordless picturebook, a boy and his mom face the realities of being unhoused.
By Nikkolas Smith (Kokila Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Notable Children’s Poetry Book
This awe-inspiring picturebook covers the origin and advancement of humans.
Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball
By Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Adrian Brandon (Candlewick Press)
Notable Children’s Poetry Book
This exuberant collection of poems honors a dozen outstanding baseball stars from the Negro leagues.
Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature: A Biography in Poems
By Caroline Brewer (What on Earth!)
Notable Children’s Poetry Book
The extraordinary story of Harriet Tubman’s life, leadership, spirituality, and relationship with nature is told through powerful poetry and collage.
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Notable Verse Novel
This finely crafted novel in verse discusses race, class, faith, and finding your place in a loving family and a complicated world.
See the full 2026 African American Read-In list on Bookshop.org.
NCTE and independent bookstores will receive a small commission from purchases made using Bookshop.org links.