Read for the Record

The world’s largest shared reading day is February 25th, 2027

Jumpstart Kids: Read for the Record^® Day is the world’s largest shared reading experience, uniting millions to read the same book on the same day and raise awareness of early literacy. Now in its 21st year, this initiative connects caring volunteers with children to read aloud and distribute high-quality books, building foundational literacy skills and home libraries.

Official Book Selection

The Jumpstart Kids: Read for the Record 2027 book selection is Brave Like a Lion! How a Puppeteer Found Her Voice by Emmy-winning Sesame Street puppeteer Megan Piphus, illustrated by Niña Mata. Drawn from Megan’s own childhood — she’s the first full-time Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street — it’s the story of a shy girl who finds her voice. A message about courage, confidence, and finding your voice that resonates far beyond the page.

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Order Classroom Cases

Browse the currently available limited-edition Read for the Record books. Each one is expert-developed and packed with read-aloud content, conversation starters, and downloadable activities that help educators and families build strong early readers. Order a case for your classroom or library, or gift a set to a school near you.

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Impact ON early literacy

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Why We Read for the Record

The power of literacy unlocks every opportunity in a child’s future. Jumpstart is helping bridge those gaps in early learning to ensure the parents and caregivers are a part of that journey!

-Tarshe Freeman, 
Principal of Broward Estates Elementary

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record brings together Broward readers alongside readers around the world to celebrate early childhood education, literacy, and the power of community through the pages of a book. With 40,000 books and over 1,000 readers yearly, Broward’s annual one-day Read for the Record event stretches over the entire year thanks to relationships built, lessons learned, connections made, and families reading the book together over and over again.

-Dr. Lori Canning, 
Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement, Broward County Public Schools

Early literacy is the foundation for opportunity, and through what I call the ‘Village Bentley Mentality’—the idea that just as a Bentley requires long, invested hours of craftsmanship, so too does our collective village—we commit to building a legacy where every child is equipped with the power of words. That’s why this campaign is so meaningful year after year.”

-Eric Chisem, 
Director of Broward County Schools Partnerships

More about Jumpstart Kids

What is Jumpstart Kids?

Jumpstart Kids is the leading early childhood literacy nonprofit, helping children ages 3-5 build the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

We deliver targeted interventions during the critical window of brain development when impact is greatest. Thirty years after our founding, our trained caring individuals continue to provide personalized attention and small-group learning through learning conversations and play that enhance existing preschool curricula, measurably improve developmental outcomes, and deliver vital support to teachers and caregivers—giving each child the confidence they need to thrive.

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