Jumpstart’s Read for the Record brings together millions of adults and children around the world each year to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness about the critical importance of early literacy. This year, Jumpstart is celebrating our 14th anniversary of Read for the Record on November 7, 2019, with the book Thank You, Omu!
Read for the Record Special Edition
Sharing high-quality picture books with young children is at the core of Jumpstart’s mission. Each year, Jumpstart selects a campaign book that fosters language and social-emotional development, honors the diversity in our world, has a strong narrative, and appeals to young children. That book is read across the country and around the world by adults and young readers on Read for the Record day.
Jumpstart’s team works with our selected publishing partner to create a special paperback edition of the campaign book with exclusive content.
Available in English or Spanish
• Activity guides and resources that bring the book to life
• Tips for reading with young children
• Vocabulary words
• Comprehension questions
Why Early Literacy?
Birth to Five
Children with access to high-quality early education programs enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed.
Lifelong Impact
Long-term outcomes of high-quality education programs include higher high school graduation rates and higher earned salaries.
$1 Spent = $13 Saved
High-quality early education programs provide the greatest return on social investment documented in social science. Every dollar invested saves taxpayers up to $13 in future costs.
This Year’s Book
Thank You, Omu! tells the story of a generous elderly woman who makes a fantastic pot of thick red stew.
Questions?
Contact our Read for the Record team via email.
Read for the Record Literacy Champions are celebrity ambassadors—from actors to athletes—who use their platform to build public awareness and support early literacy through Jumpstart’s Read for the Record campaign. Meet our 2019 Literacy Champions!
News & Updates
After another successful Read for the Record (more than 1.7 million readers!) this past October, Jumpstart is now seeking proposals for our 2019 campaign book!
How to Participate
The best part about Read for the Record is that everyone is invited to join in on the fun! No matter where you live or how old you are, all you need is a copy of the official campaign book or access to a computer with internet. When you pledge to read, you’ll receive campaign news and updates on all things Read for the Record. Plus, we’ll include the number of children and adults you plan to read with in our record-breaking total. Click here to learn how to get involved!
Activities & Resources
Already planning a Read for the Record event in your classroom or community? Check out our materials page.
Schools, Libraries & Large Groups
Schools, libraries, museums, and other organizations help bring Jumpstart’s Read for the Record alive in communities around the world. Learn more here.
Our 2019 Read for the Record Partners & Sponsors
