Staff-Recommended Books in Honor of National Read Across America Day
March 2nd marks National Read Across America Day, an annual celebration on Dr. Seuss’s birthday and created by the National Education Association, who believes power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. At Trailhead, we value curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to growth — both in our work and in the stories we explore. In honor of the day, our team shared some favorite reads across public health, professional development, fiction, fantasy, and more. Check out our recommendations below and find them at your local library or bookstore!
Braiding Sweetgrass
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by Gillian Grant, Senior Program Manager of Colorado’s Regional Health Connector Program
“I listened and read the book last year, and it’s such a beautiful telling of our reciprocal relationship we must have with nature.”
Parable of the Sower
by Octavia E. Butler
Recommended by Adrienne Gomez, Senior Program Manager of the Youth Sexual Health Program
Circe
by Madeline Miller
Recommended by Mia Brewer, Office Coordinator
“My favorite book that I read last year- it’s a spin off of the Odyssey from the perspective of Circe, daughter of the sun god, Helios. Super interesting read about the female experience and resilience, and great if you love Greek mythology!! Miller is also the author of Song of Achilles, which is also incredible.”
Orientalism
by Edward Said
Recommended by Taruni Donti, Senior Communications Coordinator
“Literally a life-changing book. Opened my eyes to how Orientalism shows up in everyday life and current politics.”
My Grandmother’s Hands
by Resmaa Menakem
Recommended by Gillian Grant, Senior Program Manager of Colorado’s Regional Health Connector Program
“I’m relistening to and doing this book to get better in touch with my nervous system, body, healing, and existing in white supremacy culture.”
Management in a Changing World: How to Manage for Equity, Sustainability, and Results
by Jakada Imani, Monna Wong, and Bex Ahuja
Recommended by Lisa Olcese, Senior Director of Operations
“When looking to infuse equity across all HR functions, this is the go-to playbook.”
The Serviceberry
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by Lyndie Kenlon, AmeriCorps Senior Program Manager in Workforce Programs and Initiatives
The Sun and Her Flowers
by Rupi Kaur
Recommended by Tess Burick, Senior Communications Manager
“Spring has always felt like a season for poetry for me. Every time I come back to this book I’m reminded that the grief, joy, uncertainty, struggles, and growth that we go through are more universal than we think. I think it’s healthy to remember that, particularly when times are hard.”
Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommended by Ella Meyer, Program Manager of the Colorado Cancer Coalition
A Psalm for the Wild-Built
by Becky Chambers
Recommended by Gillian Grant, Senior Program Manager of Colorado’s Regional Health Connector Program
“A series for those looking for a cozy read of a reimagine of robots and humans coexisting.”
Dare to Lead
by Brene Brown
Recommended by Lisa Olcese, Senior Director of Operations
“This book not only underscores the data-driven effectiveness of clear, kind leadership; it also provides practical, actionable steps to get there. “Vulnerability” is framed as “the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome” – we need this now more than ever.”
The Pleasure Is All Yours
by Rachel Allyn
Recommended by Tess Burick, Senior Communications Manager
“The Pleasure is All Yours is a beautiful invitation to explore joy through mindfulness, connection, and thinking expansively about pleasure as it shows up in our daily lives.”
Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
by Ethan Watters
Recommended by Taruni Donti, Senior Communications Coordinator
Firekeeper’s Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
Recommended by Adrienne Gomez, Senior Program Manager of the Youth Sexual Health Program
Fables and Spells
by adrienne maree brown
Recommended by Gillian Grant, Senior Program Manager of Colorado’s Regional Health Connector Program
“Another cozy read with adrienne maree brown, given to me by a friend.”
The Trouble with Hating You
by Sajni Patel
Recommended by Taruni Donti, Senior Communications Coordinator
“I had to mention one of my favorite romance books lol. Read it a few years ago, and it’s still stuck with me!”
Consolations I & II
by David Whyte
Recommended by Lisa Olcese, Senior Director of Operations
“These books are a refuge, a thoughtful reminder that words, like “Rest” and “Moon,” hold collective power.”
Have recommendations of your own? Let us know on our LinkedIn!
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