United Through Reading Adds Ebook to App Through Donation from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
November 2, 2020
San Diego, CA, November 2, 2020 – United Through Reading announced today a new initiative to bring ebooks to military families using the United Through Reading mobile reading app.
The app allows service members to record stories for the children in their life to watch on demand during times they may be away due to their military service. The new update also allows the user to read one of five books from learning technology company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) while in the app and a physical copy of the book will be shipped to the child. This marks HMH’s first ever donation of e-books, in addition to over 1,000 physical books to accompany them.
”HMH is committed to reaching children and their families wherever they are, and knows that reading together, even when physically apart, can offer a powerful connection,” said Jackie Bright, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, HMH. “We applaud United Through Reading’s innovative program and are honored to be a part of this initiative.”
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, service members around the world face longer separations from loved ones with the addition of quarantine before leaving or after returning home for public health concerns. Additionally, over 25,000 National Guard members were activated to help in the fight against COVID-19 this spring, spending weeks and months away from home in service to the country.
“Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s generosity, service members are able to read a book on our app when they don’t have access to physical books, making our app even more accessible,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, CEO of United Through Reading.
HMH titles on the app include:
Anastasia On Her Own by Lois Lowry
Curious George’s First Day of School by Margret and H.A. Rey
Just Grace Goes Green by Charise Mericle Harper
Little Helpers Animals On The Job! By Michelle Brummer Everett
Valentine Mice! By Bethany Roberts
The United Through Reading App launched in May 2019 and has over 2,000 users. It is available for free on Apple and Android devices. Military service is verified using ID.me prior to logging in. Videos are recorded on the app and sent to families around the world to watch and read together on demand.
About United Through Reading
United Through Reading keeps military families reading together, no matter the distance between them. Families stay connected through video recordings of storytime and books, sent to military families to help ease the stress of separation, maintain positive emotional connections, and cultivate a love of reading and early childhood literacy. Service members can record a story for their family at more than 200 United Through Reading recording locations worldwide, as well as on their mobile device with our free and secure reading App. Since 1989, more than 2.4 million military members and their families have benefited from the program. Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org
About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (NASDAQ: HMHC) is a learning company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students’ potential and extend teachers’ capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 3 million educators in 150 countries, while its award-winning children’s books, novels, non-fiction, and reference titles are enjoyed by readers throughout the world. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.
Follow HMH on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.