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A group of people, mostly women, are gathered around a long black table at an indoor event. The table is set up as a "book tasting," with several children’s books displayed upright on stands, each paired with a food item in front of it. Visible foods include cookies, pastries, and slices of cake. Attendees appear to be engaged in conversation, some smiling and pointing at the display. The atmosphere is warm and social, with modern artwork hanging on the wooden-paneled walls in the background.

Event Recap: United Through Reading Hosts Book Tasting Party

May 15, 2025

As part of our Month of the Military Child celebrations, last month, United Through Reading brought together an incredible community of senior military spouses, nonprofit leaders, and military advocates for an unforgettable day at AUSA Headquarters, celebrating the power of reading in strengthening military families!

With the elegant leadership of Mrs. Christine Grady, Mrs. Jennifer Saltzman, Mrs. Patty George, Mrs. Teresa Todd, and Mrs. Karen Raines, the room was full of warmth, wisdom, and commitment to military families. Representatives from leading military and veteran support organizations, including Our Military Kids, Blue Star Families, NMFA, TAPS, Military Homeschoolers Association, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, joined forces to uplift the voices and experiences of military-connected children.

A true highlight of the day was the distribution of Sometimes Apart, Always in My Heart by Tish Rabe. Our attendees were among the first to receive copies of this year’s Book for the Military Child, a beautiful story that resonated deeply with our audience. Guests were treated to a creative and delicious culinary experience, with finger foods thoughtfully themed around classic children’s books, such as a fruit tray with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and a sushi tray with Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business. The pairings brought joy, nostalgia, and conversation to every table.

Two side-by-side images from a United Through Reading “Book Tasting” event. On the left, a colorful fruit tray with neatly arranged rows of sliced mango, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, blackberries, and grapes is displayed in front of the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with English and Spanish signage. On the right, a vibrant sushi platter with assorted rolls and sashimi is placed in front of books including One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business, and Fish in a Tree, each paired with small book tasting cards that describe how the foods relate to the stories.

Remarks from General Robert B. Brown, United Through Reading Interim CEO Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, and Vice President of Programs Samantha Hagan Lingad reinforced the importance of literacy and connection during family separations. A heartfelt thank you to General Brown, President and CEO of AUSA, and Mrs. Holly Dailey for hosting us and for their unwavering support. Together, we are turning pages and building bonds, one story at a time. See all the event photos here.

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