Commissioner's Book of the Month
Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. launched the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in K-12 schools. Literacy skills developed during formative years are essential for students to succeed both academically and in life, and reading comprehension develops as students engage with interesting and meaningful books. Teachers and parents are encouraged to recommend these books to students.
“The Commissioner’s Book of the Month will be an opportunity to highlight authors and titles, offering students rewarding opportunities for classroom and at-home discussion. This new initiative will add to Florida’s ever-present focus on providing students access to challenging books that increase critical thinking skills and deepen understanding.” ~ Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.
March 2025
- PreK – Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess
- K-2 – The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
- 3-5 – The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
- 6-8 – The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- 9-12 – “A Light Exists in Spring” by Emily Dickinson
February 2025
- PreK – Celebrating Presidents’ Day: What Is a President? by Kimberly Jordano and Trisha Callella-Jones
- K-2 – The Front Steps: A True Story About a Boy Who Loved to Read by Alan C Duncan and Anna Welch
- 3-5 – Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters
- 6-8 – Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
- 9-12 – George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger
January 2025
- PreK – Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport
- K-2 – Happy New Year! (Celebrations) by Clara Coleman
- 3-5 – January Joker (Calendar Mysteries, No. 1) by Ron Roy
- 6-8 – Martin Luther King, Jr.: Walking in the Light (Gateway Biographies) by Jon Fishman
- 9-12 – “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.