Readers are always on the lookout for great resources to feed their reading habit. Here is a list of 24 awesome free resources for readers I compiled for Read Across America Day that we tweeted out from Mensa.
1. Find books for kids recommended by kids at Mensa. I don’t think they’re still doing this program, but when I was there we got great reviews that are really helpful.
2. I don’t just love the National Book Festival because I write the children’s guide and eye spy poster activity for it. No, really. You can find lots of book festival goodness year round.
4. The Library of Congress Books that Shaped America is a great way to explore both literature and history.
5. Be a rebel reader – read a banned book from the American Library Association list.
6. Poetry 180 shares a list of a poem for every day of the school year selected by Billy Collins.
7. Looking for an at-your-desk lunch read? Smithsonian Magazine is a brown-bag for your brain.
8. Think you’ve read everything? How many of the Mensa Foundation’s K-3 list of must-read books have you read?
9. Find your next great read. What Should I Read Next is a “If you like —, you’ll love —- for books!” No smelling of cheap perfume required.
10. Parents: the original audio book. Get read-aloud advice.
11. If you’re looking for a way to catalog your personal library, here is a list of apps you can use to make a personal catalog.
12. If you teach or love a young reader, Reading Rockets has some of my fave resources.
13. Find a great indie bookstore near you with this handy dandy finder.
14. But have you read the whole series? Check out the Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading 4-6 grade reading list. Be humbled today.
15. Bookishness heaven. The Library of Congress Center for the Book. #themothership
16. If comics are your read of choice, this site shares great resources on series & industry trend.
17. Three kids in the world have done it, but can you finish the Excellence in Reading 9-12th grade reading list? I have a graduate degree in English Education, and I’m missing a few myself!
18. Too much? Challenge your middle-schooler (or yourself!) with Mensa‘s 7-8th grade reading list. Surprisingly challenging.
19. American Reader shares (often moving) letters authors wrote. If they inspire you to write a letter, Alexandra Stoddard wrote my favorite book on letter writing.
20. Watch members of Congress read childrens’ books from their states. Every video also includes an interview with the author.
21. Read a Newbery Medal winner you missed as a child. Some hold up beautifully, and some are fascinating snapshots of their time.
22. If you’re looking for books specifically for gifted kids, I’ve got you. See my recommendations here.
23. The International Children’s Digital Library offers free access to children’s books from around the world.
24. Visit a Little Free Library and leave a book for someone else to discover. Find one near you through Little Free Library (or come visit mine).
25. Participate in a reading challenge. I’ve got a list of possibilities.
Ready to go read something? I am!
