APS Race2Read Summer Challenge Champions Books on Anti-Racism

As the world protests racial injustice and faces a global pandemic, demand has surged for books that are relevant to our times—ones that foster equality, diversity and inclusion. Atlanta Public Schools champions books on anti-racism and is thrilled to continue its Race2Read challenge through the summer.

The district-wide reading campaign, Race2Read, will extend through July 31. APS has partnered with Urban League of Greater Atlanta to challenge students, teachers, staff, parents, community members, and business partners to read at least 20 minutes a daily to help us collectively reach 10 million minutes of reading. We are currently at 80 percent of our goal!

“When students read 20 minutes daily, they not only exercise their brains, they acquire many new words every day,” said Patrice Laird-Walker, APS Media Services coordinator. “When things are less than normal, reading empowers you to balance the chaos and take control of your mind.  It’s critically important, now more than ever, to encourage our students to read daily to prevent learning loss and reduce stress.” 

Now through July 31, readers are asked to log every minute spent exploring books, audio books, or magazines.

Here are some suggested books for grades 6-12:

1. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
2. Stamped by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
3. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5. Dear Martin by Nic Stone

 Here are some suggested books for grades K-5: 

1. Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester
2. Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Ann Hazzard, Marianne Celano, and Marietta Collins
3. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
4. I am Enough by Grace Byers
5. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson

To participate in Race2Read:

Parents can find their child’s school site at www.beanstack.com/race2read or log in via their Clever dashboard. Staff and community members can register as an individual or family at www.beanstack.com/race2read.