Florida Department of Education
Contributor
Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced June’s chosen books for the “Commissioner’s Book of the Month,” a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools. Each month, Commissioner Diaz highlights five recommended books— one per selected grade range. To commemorate Governor Ron DeSantis’ freedom summer initiative, Commissioner Diaz has chosen books that teach students about freedom and patriotism.
“As the summer begins, it is paramount we continue to inspire children to read all summer long,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Instead of picking up their phones or turning on the T.V., I encourage students to immerse themselves in this month’s book selections that highlight the values of freedom that our country was built on.”
The Commissioner’s recommendations for June 2024 are:
• Pre-K: “What is America?” by Michelle Medlock Adams.
• K-2: “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Peter Spier.
• 3-5: “Proud to Be an American” by Lee Greenwood.
• 6-8: “Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?” by Jean Fritz.
• 9-12: “Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson” by Katherine Johnson.
To see the list of all previous month’s and their chosen books, visit floe.org/bookofthemonth.