Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. announces June Books of the Month

Press release from Florida Department of Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, 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.

“As this school year comes to a close, it is important to remember the significant impact reading can have on future academic success,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “This month’s selections celebrate inspirational stories of individuals who overcame adversity and provide families a variety of books to enjoy together.”

The Commissioner’s recommendations for June 2023 are:

• PreK – Big Al by Andrew Clements
• Grades K-2 – Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery
• Grades 3-5 – Catching a Storyfish by Janice N. Harrington
• Grades 6-8 – The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
• Grades 9-12 – The Piano Lesson by August Wilson

The selections for each month can be found on the Commissioner’s Book of the Month page of the FDOE website.