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

Press release from Florida Department of Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced May’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.

“Books are gateways to the past that allow us to relive the tales of history’s most valiant heroes,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “As students read these books, it is my hope that they will reflect on why we celebrate Memorial Day – to honor America’s military men and women who lost their lives while serving our country.”

The Commissioner’s recommendations for May 2024 are:

• PreK – Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day by Kristen Lake
• K-2 – Shark Lady: Celebrating Holidays: Memorial Day by Rachel Grack
• 3-5 – Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld
• 6-8 – Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? by James Buckley Jr.
• 9-12 – “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae

On the FDOE website, you can find the Commissioner’s Book of the Month selections.