Read for the Record

This year’s Read for the Record event will be held on Thursday, October 24. The book is Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran.

Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran & Illustrated by Qin Leng

Join us on October 24, 2024 as over two million readers and thousands of classrooms, libraries and communities come together to celebrate early literacy by reading Piper Chen Sings by Grammy Award-Winning Hamilton star Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran

Piper Chen Sings is a story about a young girl who loves to express herself through singing but is struck with self-doubt and nervousness when asked to perform a solo in front of an audience. Piper tells her Nai Nai that she felt “like butterflies were having a dance party” in her belly; she doesn’t feel she can sing in front of others without making a mistake. Thankfully, Nai Nai teaches Piper that feeling butterflies means “something exciting was ahead” and that recognizing and welcoming that anxious feeling would help it pass. Nai Nai’s advice empowers Piper, who finds her voice on stage.

Meet Our 2024 Read for the Record Co-Authors, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran

Meet Our 2024 Read for the Record Illustrator, Qin Leng

Phillipa Soo is an actor and singer, best known for originating the role of “Eliza” in Broadway’s critically acclaimed “Hamilton”, which earned her Emmy and Tony nominations and a Grammy win. She has appeared in many other plays and musicals, including “Cinderella”, “Camelot”, “One True Loves”, and “Over the Moon”. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Steven Pasquale. Piper Chen Sings is Soo’s first book.

Maris Pasquale Doran is a licensed social worker who works as a private psychotherapist and as a lecturer at Columbia University. Piper Chen Sings is her first publication. She resides in Maplewood, NJ with her husband and two children.

Qin Leng is a visual development artist in addition to being an illustrator and author of children’s books. Her work has included “A Day for Sandcastles”, “I am Small”, and “Clover”, which won the prestigious Governor General Literary Award. She lives in Toronto with her husband and son.

I am thrilled and grateful that Jumpstart has chosen Piper Chen Sings for their Read for the Record campaign this year. I have often been asked, ‘If you could say anything to your younger self, what would it be?’ Piper Chen Sings is certainly an answer to that question. This book comes straight from the heart and is inspired by my own life and experiences—a little girl who loves to sing but is overwhelmed with nervousness about singing in front of others. Piper Chen Sings is our first book, and Maris and I are so proud to share this heartwarming story with the world. I hope Piper gives comfort to readers who may be navigating their own complicated feelings and inspires them to pursue the things in life that give them joy.

Phillipa Soo

Author

Who Can Participate

Whether you’re leading an individual classroom or engaging an entire community, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a powerful way to come together around for the power of reading. Schools, libraries, museums, and other organizations help bring Jumpstart’s Read for the Record alive in communities around the world. From large group readings in school auditoriums to story hours and community-wide reading festivals, Read for the Record is truly an opportunity to rally your school, library, or larger community around the importance of high-quality early learning experiences.

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.

Whether you’re leading an individual classroom or engaging an entire community, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a powerful way to come together around for the power of reading. Schools, libraries, museums, and other organizations help bring Jumpstart’s Read for the Record alive in communities around the world. From large group readings in school auditoriums to story hours and community-wide reading festivals, Read for the Record is truly an opportunity to rally your school, library, or larger community around the importance of high-quality early learning experiences.