Even on a rainy spring afternoon in Denmark, I’m reminded of the quiet ways hope can appear. In a world that often feels divided, where fear, misunderstanding, or distance can make connection seem impossible, stories still find a way to bridge the gap. They show us courage where we didn’t expect it, kindness where it seems absent, and understanding where there was only confusion.
Choosing this year’s Global Read Aloud selections was one of the hardest—and most joyful—decisions I’ve made. I lost count of how many times the lineup in my head shifted, how many incredible stories I wrestled with, and how many times I thought I had it figured out, only to discover yet another book that demanded to be included. And in the end, the books we’ve chosen speak to something I find profoundly hopeful: transformation. Connections that begin in fear or hesitation and grow into something extraordinary. Friendships that bloom where no one expected them. Courage that emerges in quiet, surprising ways.
These books celebrate resilience and imagination, curiosity and empathy. From the visual brilliance of Dan Santat to stories of unlikely heroes, timely conversations, and friendships forged across difference, these selections invite readers to explore the world—and themselves—in new ways. They remind us that even small moments of understanding, of empathy, of joy, can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
I hope these stories inspire conversations, laughter, and reflection. I hope they spark curiosity, and maybe even a little wonder. But most of all, I hope they remind us all that stories have the power to connect us, even when the world feels fractured. That even in uncertain times, even on rainy spring mornings, there is light waiting to be discovered—sometimes on the page, sometimes in the classroom, sometimes in the shared moments between readers across the globe.
Reading breakdown and all of the information will come at a later time, for now just enjoy the selections.
The choices for this year’s Global Read Aloud are…
Picture Book Creator Choice:
Dan Santat’s brilliance will be featured during the six weeks.
Early Reader Choice:
Middle Grade Choice:
Middle School Choice:
Young Adult Choice:
Hashtags for the year:
Picture book author study – #GRADan
Growing Home – #GRAGrowing
The Second Life of Snap – #GRASnap
The Lion’s Run – #GRALion
One Word, Six Letters – #GRAOne
And of course the official one – #GRA26′
So if you like the choices for this year, join me as we kick off the Global Read Aloud on October 6th, 2025. If you don’t like the choices, don’t join, it’s as easy as that, but I for one am already counting down the days until it kicks off.
Facebook groups to join
There is no sign-up to join, just either pay attention here for more information or join the Facebook communities – I would recommend joining the main one and the one specific to the book (or creator) you choose:
Upper Elementary/ Middle-Grade Book Group
Kick-off this year is October 5th and we run until November 13th.
You don’t have to follow the schedule, but please don’t read ahead and spoil the book(s) for others.
Global Read Aloud support:
T-shirts and other merchandise supporting the project can be found here
To order your books:
Please consider ordering the books from Bookshop.org– an independent bookstore that partners with local independent bookstores to sell books. You can see the winner list here and support The Global Read Aloud at the same time.
If you need to order through Amazon, please order it through this affiliate link, the cents earned from it go to purchasing and shipping books to those who cannot get them.
FOR RESOURCES AND TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS
To find answers to the most frequently asked questions, go here – you will find ideas for how to do the project, as well as how you can share your reading.
If you are looking to connect with others, and don’t want to use Facebook, use these Google sheets.
Picture book Connections Wanted
Will’s Race for Home Connections Wanted
Kareem Between Connections Wanted
Where Wolves Don’t Die Connections Wanted
To find shared resources and share your own, see this link – you will find author resources and also created resources from others.
There you have it; another amazing year of connecting awaits. Read the books, share the books, and get ready for another opportunity to change the world.
Love,
Pernille
The Global Read Aloud 