Hugh Jackman, Josh Brolin, Nigel Barker & Cat Cora Among Celebrity Line-Up to Support 2020 Children’s Literacy Campaign, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®

Literacy Champions to join millions of adults and children on 10/29 in reading Newbery Medal winner Meg Medina’s Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away

BOSTON, MA—Jumpstart for Young Children, a national early education organization, is thrilled to announce this year’s official Literacy Champions for the 15^th annual Read for the Record campaign.

Prominent celebrities and leaders have partnered with Jumpstart to serve as Literacy Champions for its 24-hour celebration of reading aloud together, which since its inception has successfully brought together over 20 million children and adults around the world to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness about the critical importance of early literacy and access to high-quality books. Now in its 15^th year, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will come together with millions of readers around the globe on October 29, 2020, for the annual effort to celebrate literacy and provide access to high-quality children’s books.

This year’s Literacy Champions are: actors Josh Brolin, Josh Duhamel, Hugh Jackman (and wife, Deborra-Lee Furness); celebrity photographer and Jumpstart Board Member Nigel Barker; renowned chef Cat Cora; and author, lawyer, and founder & CEO of Phenomenal Meena Harris.

Additional ambassadors for the annual campaign include: Yoga and wellness influencer Sjana Elise; singer Brynn Elliott; New York WPIX11 anchor Tamsen Fadal; author Christina Geist; journalist and Ask Lisa podcast  host Reena Ninan, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books podcast host Zibby Owens; model and Jumpstart alumna Jourdana Phillips; musician Marc Roberge of O.A.R.; and Master Chef Junior winner Che Spiotta.

This year’s book selection, published by Candlewick Press and available in both English and Spanish, is Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away / Evelyn Del Rey se muda, written by Newbery medal winner and acclaimed author Meg Medina and with illustrations by Sonia Sánchez and Spanish translation by Teresa Mlawer. The picture book, about a young girl saying goodbye to her mejor amiga, beautifully represents lasting friendship and offers a sensitive portrayal of the universal experience of encountering change.

For the second year, the TJX Companies, Inc.—a longtime Jumpstart contributor—will serve as the campaign’s exclusive presenting sponsor.

“Each year, this day brings visibility to the essential role that adults play in supporting the learning and development of children by doing one simple act: reading aloud,” Jumpstart CEO Naila Bolus said. “We are so thrilled to have the support of our incredible Literacy Champions and ambassadors that amplify this critical message in support of young children right now. I think this year’s book speaks especially to these times—and the importance of connection and caring for one another.”

Everyone is invited to pledge to read with Jumpstart on October 29! To learn more about Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, visit readfortherecord.org.

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ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

For 25 years, Jumpstart has been fueled by the core belief that providing high-quality educational opportunities to all young children contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty. Jumpstart provides an early education solution that meets the needs of the children and communities we serve while advocating for change that ensures all children have access to the early learning opportunities they need. Learn more at jstart.org.