JUMPSTART’S 18TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF EARLY LITERACY READ FOR THE RECORD DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON OCT. 26 

Over 2 million children, teachers, and families to take part in the global campaign promoting early literacy and diverse representation in children’s books  

BOSTON, MA — Jumpstart for Young Children, a Boston-based national early education organization, kicks off their 18th annual early literacy campaign this week, hosting events across the country to celebrate the upcoming Read for the Record Day taking place on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day is a celebration during which children, teachers, families, and communities around the world gather to read together, promote early literacy and celebrate the unifying power of reading with over 26 million participants to date.  

“At Jumpstart, we believe that reading aloud with young children – whether at home, in the classroom, or in communities – provides positive experiences that ignite their imaginations and help them build a greater understanding of the world, preparing them for a lifetime of learning,” said Jumpstart President and CEO Naila Bolus. “This year’s Read for the Record selection, With Lots of Love will take children on a journey to a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar, and it embodies everything that we hope to uplift in our annual Read for the Record campaign: diversity, community, culture, family and empathy for our neighbors.” 

With Lots of Love is a beautiful story about a girl who moves from her home in Central America to the United States and the special bond that she shares with her grandmother. Written by Jenny Torres Sanchez, illustrated by André Ceolin and published by Penguin Young Readers, With Lots of Love celebrates the power of food, home language, and traditional decorations to keep people connected. And to ensure even more children could partake in the celebration, it is available in both English and Spanish.  

Thanks to continued support from The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States and worldwide, and the campaign’s exclusive presenting sponsor, as well as Literacy Champions such as Emmy and two-time Golden Globe nominee Chrissy Metz; NYT best-selling author and songwriter Bradley Collins; celebrity photographer, Nigel Barker; Emmy nominated, Monique Coleman; star of Lincoln Lawyer, acclaimed actress, Yaya DaCosta; DJ, radio host and author; Bobbito Garcia; and Maya Lê of Maistory Book Library; Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is able to raise awareness and bring positive, diverse children’s books to communities around the world in support of early literacy. 

Last year over 2 million people in 9 countries and 51 states and territories participated in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record and in 2023 Jumpstart expects to surpass those numbers. Join us and #ShareLove! If you wish to learn more, please contact rftr@jstart.org.

###

ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 

For nearly 30 years, Jumpstart has been fueled by the belief that providing high-quality educational opportunities to all young children prepares them for academic and economic success later in life. Jumpstart advances equitable learning outcomes for young children by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming and drive systems change through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. Jumpstart has trained more than 60,000 college students and community volunteers, preparing over 140,000 children for kindergarten success. Jumpstart’s program is replicated across the country in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at jstart.org.