News - United Through Reading

10 Tips to Hook Reluctant Readers

Nov 26, 2025

You know the scene: it’s reading time, and suddenly your child needs water, has to use the bathroom, or remembers urgent homework from another subject. For many kids, opening a […]

Father reading a book to his toddler daughter while sitting on a bed in a bright room, fostering early literacy and bonding.

How Reading Aloud to Babies Helps with Early Literacy

Nov 7, 2025

When should you start reading to your child? The answer might surprise you: it’s never too early. Even before your baby understands words, the simple act of reading aloud creates […]

How to Start Family Storytime Traditions, Even Through Deployment

Oct 22, 2025

Deployment doesn’t just mean physical distance—it means missing bedtimes, inside jokes, and the small moments that make up childhood. For military families, one of the hardest losses is the nightly […]

Storybook Ball 2025 Event Highlights

Oct 9, 2025

On Saturday, October 4, United Through Reading hosted the local military community at its sold-out 2025 Storybook Ball. From the vibrant decor to the stories shared, the evening celebrated our […]

Using Books to Share Positivity on World Smile Day

Oct 3, 2025

World Smile Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October each year, is a reminder of the power of a simple smile. Created in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the artist […]

Two young children sit closely together on a gray couch, reading a picture book. One child has their arm around the other as they look at the pages, with patterned pillows beside them and sunlight coming through a nearby window.

How to Use Books to Teach Empathy and Kindness

Sep 19, 2025

Military families know change. A new base, a new school, a parent leaving for deployment—our kids often walk into situations where they are the “new one” or feel like the […]

United Through Reading Welcomes New Board Members

Sep 18, 2025

United Through Reading is pleased to welcome three members to our Board: Ann Hammell, Mark Martinez, and York Rasmusson. Ann Hammel is an accomplished Vice President of Human Resources at […]

How Dollar General, PepsiCo & 250 Volunteers Made a Nationwide Impact

Aug 28, 2025

Every year, Dollar General hosts a multi-day leadership conference. This year in Nashville, TN, the conference opened with more than just speeches—it began with impact, inspiration, and community service. Our […]

Group photo of about 35 people indoors, gathered in front of a presentation screen displaying “Military Appreciation” with patriotic stars. Many in the front and middle rows wear matching red “Rate” T-shirts, while others wear casual clothing or black shirts with caps. The group stands between two balloon towers made of red, white, and blue balloons. The setting appears to be an event space with wooden beams, large vents, and chairs in the foreground.

A Weekend of Connection: Military Appreciation Night at Rate Field

Aug 27, 2025

On July 25th, United Through Reading proudly joined fellow military-support organizations for Military Appreciation Night at Rate Field’s iconic Crosstown Series White Sox vs. Cubs game. This unforgettable evening, hosted […]

Young girl in floral pajamas sits cross-legged on a bed, wearing bright blue headphones and watching a tablet with a pink charging cable. A pink stuffed animal is beside her, and a soft light from a nearby window brightens the room.

10 Tips to Make Screen Time Count: Maximizing the Power of Recorded Storytime for Military Families

Aug 11, 2025

In today’s digital world, screen time often gets a bad rap. But for military families—where deployments and training can mean weeks or months apart—screen time can be a powerful bridge […]