The date has been set! Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, at 11:30 a.m. for our 2025 Peace in the Pages event, presented by The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida!
As in past years, our generous supporters who donate $1,000 or more to READ USA are invited to Peace in the Pages as our guests. Our donors will receive a personal invitation with seating information soon.
However, this year we are also introducing a new way to attend our annual celebration: any individual who donates $150 can attend the event as a benefit! Details and a link to donate to Peace in the Pages will be released soon, so stay tuned! 
We have an engaging agenda planned, including a keynote speech by Dr. David Steiner, Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. We will also welcome Isaiah Oliver, President of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Dr. Christopher Bernier, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, and other special guests to discuss the expansion of the READ JAX grade-level reading campaign.
And of course, we cannot wait to recognize and celebrate the contributions of five local leaders to literacy and workforce development through our annual READ USA awards, who we will announce soon!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and our event partners, Kids Hope Alliance, Duval County Public Schools, and STEM2 Hub, for helping make this year’s event possible!
If you would like to become a Peace in the Pages sponsor, please contact joe@readusainc.com.
We look forward to sharing more details soon – and to seeing you in November at The Schultz Center!
Holden Scyster Joins Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2026
Congratulations to our very own Holden Scyster, READ USA’s Chief Operating Officer, for being accepted into the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2026!
Holden, center, with Michael Ramirez (L), DCPS Chief of Staff, who is also in the Class of 2026, and our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly (R), at the Leadership Jacksonville Welcome Reception in August.
“As I step into the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2026, I am eager to engage with dynamic leaders who share a passion for service and a commitment to building a stronger community. I want to broaden my perspective by learning more about Jacksonville’s diverse needs, celebrating its strengths, and exploring opportunities for growth that will shape its future,” shared Holden.
Founded in 1977, Leadership Jacksonville’s year-long flagship program brings together leaders from across the community to build relationships with other leaders, analyze major areas of community concern, and provide opportunities for open dialogue between leaders with different perspectives.
Holden joins 57 other community leaders in this year’s class. You can read the full list of members and learn more about Leadership Jacksonville here.
“This journey is not only about developing my own leadership skills, but also about deepening my role as a servant leader who listens, collaborates, and acts with purpose. I hope to leave this experience better equipped to be a change agent—one who drives meaningful impact, inspires others to lead, and helps create a community where all can thrive,” Holden added.
Congratulations to Holden and the entire class of 2026!
#FunFact: Our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly was in last year’s class! You can read more about his experience here.
Children’s Book: America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001 by Don Brown
Written & illustrated by Don Brown
America Is Under Attack is a moving and informative nonfiction picture book that presents a clear, respectful, and age-appropriate account of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Written and illustrated by Don Brown, the book is part of his Actual Times series, which highlights key moments in history. Combining engaging storytelling with evocative illustrations, Brown offers young readers a thoughtful introduction to one of the most significant events in recent American history.
Narrated in a chronological format, the book details the events of that day—from the hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. Brown weaves in real accounts of individuals, such as firefighter Jay Jonas and office worker Chris Young, to personalize the story and bring emotional depth to the historical narrative. Themes of bravery, sacrifice, resilience, and national unity are central to the book, helping children understand what happened and the human responses to crisis and tragedy.
The watercolor illustrations complement the tone of the text beautifully. They communicate the gravity of the events without being graphic, helping children process the story visually.
This book is an excellent resource for educators, media specialists, and parents who want to help children learn about 9/11 in an age-appropriate, balanced way. It encourages reflection and conversation while honoring the memory of those involved.
Due to the emotional weight of the topic, some readers may find parts of the book upsetting. It is recommended that adults read the book first and be available for discussion, particularly with sensitive or younger readers.
America Is Under Attack is a powerful and important introduction to the events of 9/11 for middle-grade readers. Don Brown’s respectful storytelling and expressive artwork make this book a valuable educational tool that balances historical fact with human emotion. It is strongly recommended for classrooms, libraries, and families seeking to help children understand the impact and legacy of this defining moment in American history.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Parent Education Corner: Encouraging Consistent Reading Habits at Home
Creating a consistent reading routine—no matter how short—lays a strong foundation for literacy success. Children thrive with structure… and making reading a part of your family’s daily rhythm helps build that habit naturally!
Whether it’s a story before bed, a read-aloud session after school, or even a picture book during breakfast, those few minutes each day add up in a big way. Reading together is a cherished time to slow down and explore stories that spark imagination and conversation.
Here are some tips to make reading memorable:
- Keep the Book Collection Fresh
Rotate books weekly from your shelf, the library, or a book box. Changing up the stories keeps curiosity alive and prevents boredom. - Make a Personalized Reading Calendar
Print or draw a simple calendar so your child can add a sticker, stamp, or drawing each time they read. Let them decorate it with their favorite characters or themes. Celebrating streaks with little rewards or praise makes the habit fun and rewarding! - Build a Book
Use LEGO, blocks, or craft supplies to build a setting from a story.
Reading as a consistent, family routine is a deeply enriching activity. Through shared stories, families engage in meaningful conversations, create emotional bonds, and enhance critical thinking skills, all within a nurturing and supportive space.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!