TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 一 United Way of West Alabama’s Success By 6, in partnership with Jumpstart, is hosting its 13th annual Read for the Record on October 27, 2022. Each year, the program celebrates literacy by hosting over 2 million readers nationwide who read the same book.

Last year, Success by 6 coordinated all nine West Alabama counties, resulting in a record 19,465 simultaneous readers. This year, the agency aims to break that record.

“Our goal for 2022 is to increase our participant number to over 20,000,” said Kenna Young, United Way’s West Alabama outreach manager. “With the support of our great community, we feel certain we can break last year's record and spread the joy of reading.”

On October 27, participants will read Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang, a story about a young boy with big dreams who is too scared to share them with anyone but the moon. The book encourages children to celebrate where they come from, who they are and who they want to be.

Among its guest readers, Success by 6 is excited to announce Dr. Charles Nash as its local guest reader. Dr. Nash served as The University of Alabama’s vice chancellor of academic affairs for almost thirty years and is a Success By 6 advisory council member.

“We are excited for this year’s event, and we look forward to breaking the national record,” said Cheryl Fondren, United Way of West Alabama’s Success By 6 director.

If you are interested in participating in Read for the Record, contact Cheryl Fondren.