Read Across America Day 2026: Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers

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Students
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Read Across America Day …

March 2, 2026

When we asked our staff what they are reading right now, the responses felt exactly like FTE staff – thoughtful, curious, and refreshingly honest. The range of answers was wide, but the enthusiasm behind every recommendation was consistent.

At FTE, our staff includes professors, teachers, economists, program leaders, and lifelong learners, so it is no surprise that our reading lists reflect that mix. Some of us are drawn to big questions about systems and incentives, while others gravitate toward stories that feel personal and grounding.

Several staff members pointed to classics like 1984, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, and Lord of the Flies. These books still spark conversation because they challenge how we think about power, conformity, and the rules that shape society. They invite readers to question assumptions and reflect on the systems around them, which is something FTE consistently encourages students and teachers to do.

One staff member shared how reading The Catcher in the Rye as a high school senior stayed with them during a season of transition. The line about life being “a game, played by the rules” prompted deeper reflection on expectations and what it means to define success on your own terms. It is the kind of book that meets you differently depending on where you are in life.

To no one’s surprise, economics titles were well represented. Basic Economics, Capitalism and Freedom, Factfulness, and GOAT: Who Is the Greatest Economist of All Time, and Why Does It Matter? all appeared in our list. One recommendation described Factfulness as a book that “will challenge what you know and enforce the importance of backing up your opinions with facts,” a mindset that feels especially relevant in today’s conversations.

At the same time, many staff members are reading far beyond theory and policy. Crying in H Mart was described as “honest, entertaining, and makes you feel connected to the story… and to my own life in some ways.” The Answer Is… was recommended for anyone who feels uncertain about their path, offering reassurance that meaningful careers often unfold in unexpected ways. Our most mentioned book, Atomic Habits, explores how small, consistent changes can lead to big results, while The Psychology of Money looks at how our decisions and mindset shape long-term outcomes.

Curiosity beyond theory and policy showed up in different ways as well. Endure examines the idea that our brains often tell us we are done before our bodies truly are, while The Light Eaters opens a window into the hidden world of plants. And after a long time of not reading young adult book series, another shared that picking up the Harry Potter series with their kids reminded them just how hard those books are to put down.

What stands out most from all these recommendations is not any single title, but the range of reasons our staff read. Some pick up books to sharpen their thinking. Some read to unwind and slow down after a long day. Some read to feel connected or inspired. And some simply read because curiosity never really turns off.

On Read Across America Day, that’s exactly what we’re celebrating! A community of readers, each with different interests and motivations, all connected by a shared belief that reading matters. So we’ll leave you with this: What book has challenged you, comforted you, or changed your perspective recently? And what might happen if you pick up something completely outside your usual interest?