World Read-Aloud Day brings classrooms, families, libraries, and communities together through the power of shared stories. A single voice and a meaningful book can shape students’ identities, nurture empathy, and ignite a passion for literacy that lasts a lifetime. Reading aloud does much more than build decoding, fluency, or oral language and listening skills—it creates a communal learning space where every reader belongs.

In addition, reading aloud can:

• Encourage a lifelong commitment to reading as a joyful habit
• Help shape positive reading attitudes, particularly for developing readers
• Expose students to a wide range of literature, genres, and perspectives
• Promote vocabulary and language development through authentic oral models
• Widen students’ views of themselves, others, and the broader community
• Foster communal experience—a sense of belonging around a story

How to get started

The right book can transform a read-aloud moment. During your search, consider the following:

• Use trusted sources such as The Reading Teacher, Language Arts, The Horn Book, and the School Library Journal.
• Check reliable websites and local bookstores for curated recommendations and thematic lists.
• Prioritize diverse book options from platforms like We Need Diverse Books and publishers such as Lee & Low Books, Kokila (Penguin Books), and Groundwood Books (House of Anansi Press).
• Preview the book at least once before reading it aloud, shelving it in your classroom library, or recommending it to colleagues. A pre-read helps you note discussion points, sensitive areas, pacing, and places to pause for questions or reactions.

Videos featuring read-alouds

Below are curated examples of videos that feature authors or organizations reading books aloud with permission or through official partnerships.

Author Read-Aloud Example: High-quality read-aloud videos with permission from the author (the author reads aloud their book).

WeAreTeachers Storytime Series: A storytime video series featuring children’s book authors.

Reading Is Fundamental Read-Aloud Collection: Features authors and professional readers sharing beloved titles.

Storyline Online: Features actors reading popular children's books. The app also provides another platform for digital read-alouds.

TeachingBooks Collection: Multimedia author interviews, readings, and book guides.

E Train Talks Books: A nonprofit created by a student, dedicated to celebrating stories and changing the world for the better one book at a time.

Authors Everywhere: Author-created videos for literacy learning.

Reading Rainbow: A space to discover digital read-alouds and related content.

Publisher Permissions: Many publishers provide read-aloud guidelines for educators and promote read alouds by their authors on YouTube and other digital platforms.

More read-aloud resources

World Read-Aloud Day invites every educator, caregiver, child, and community member to share the power of story. Whether you choose a classic, a contemporary release, or a beloved childhood favorite, the act of reading aloud strengthens literacy, deepens empathy, and unites us through shared experience.

All throughout February, ILA is sharing resources to support read-alouds in classrooms or shared with families to support read-aloud practices at home. Be sure to review the full list!