We did it: Read for the Record

November 1, 2022

Big Dreams were achieved with United Through Reading during this year’s Read for the Record campaign.

Read for the Record, organized by Jumpstart, is the world’s largest shared reading experience to celebrate children’s early language and social-emotional development.

United Through Reading lead readings at 30 locations, including the Armed Services YMCA in Hampton Roads, VA. Two Sailors read to pre-kindergarten classes, that including their own children, and each student took home a copy of Nigel and the Moon.

Diana Smith, lead pre-kindergarten teacher, says, “The students were captivated by this story of a young boy who dared to dream big, even though he didn’t feel like he belonged in his world. With ninety-nine percent of our students being children of active duty service members, this concept hits so close to home for them. We are in the middle of a unit about families and have been exploring many of the ideas mentioned in the book. We will also be starting a unit on Community Helpers next week, and this was a wonderful way to bridge both units together. Our class has a rule, much like Nigel does in the book – we never say “I can’t;” we always say “I will try.” I think this experience reinforced this idea and gave it more meaning to our students. They cannot wait to go home with their copy of Nigel and the Moon to share with their family, and we, as an organization, are proud to be bringing books like this into homes where they will mean so much!”

Other locations United Through Reading held Read for the Record events include:

United States Air Force Academy
Luke Air Force Base
Oklahoma City Army National Guard
Fort Drum
Fort Rucker
Fort Campbell
Fort Bragg
Fort Belvoir
Henderson Hall/Joint Base Meyer
Military Influencers Conference

The reading sessions took place at schools, child development centers, libraries, military installations, and the Military Influencer Conference in Las Vegas.

Tim Farrell, CEO of United Through Reading, says, “We’re excited to partner with Jumpstart to Read for the Record again this year. We’ve connected with service members, teachers, and other volunteers to deliver a wonderful story that encourages dreaming big for military children worldwide. United Through Reading is proud to Read for the Record every year as it aligns perfectly with our mission to connect through reading to encourage bonding and literacy for our military and Veteran families.”

Read for the Record 2022 featured Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Nigel and the Moon is about a young boy who dreams big but is too scared to share his dreams with the world. So instead, he tells his dream of becoming an astronaut, dancer, and superhero to the moon every night. This book encourages children to celebrate where they come from, who they are, and want to be.

For those that were not near one of our events, we have three videos available to watch on our App and on our YouTube channel. You can watch Vice Admiral Kenneth R. Whitesell, Lt. General Jody J. Daniels, and Command Sgt Maj John T. Raines read Nigel and the Moon today.

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