Latest news with #Scholastic
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How to keep kids excited about reading all summer long
School's out — and summer reading challenges are in. Everywhere from public libraries to bookstores like The King's English Bookshop and Barnes & Noble to Chuck E. Cheese are kicking off summer reading programs, meaning there are more than enough challenges to keep kids booked until September. It may sometimes feel difficult to keep kids engaged in summer reading when the call of the outdoors (or video games) is beckoning. But a majority of kids say they enjoy summer reading, and it has plenty of benefits that last well into the school year. Here are some ways families can help the kids in their lives stay excited about reading this summer — and why it matters. Most public libraries have a summer reading program each year. At the Salt Lake County Library, the challenge runs from June 1-July 31 with a theme of 'Color our World,' and involves tracking your reading through a reading record you can pick up from the library or electronically. 'The program really is highly adaptable and can be tailored for all abilities,' said Marissa Hodges, the public relations coordinator for the Salt Lake County Library. 'So you could complete an activity by reading for five minutes or maybe it's five chapters — like, it could be whatever's challenging for you." The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City is hosting its own challenge with Summer Book Bingo. Bingo cards can be picked up from the store or downloaded electronically. 'We wanted something that would not only engage the kids, but also engage the parents, so it's something the family can do together,' said Cal Crosby, chief bookseller at The King's English. Many reading challenges have opportunities to win prizes if the challenge is completed. The most important reason for kids to read during the summer is that a majority of kids enjoy it — 61% of kids said they enjoy summer reading, according to a survey conducted by Scholastic for its Kids & Family Reading Report. But more specifically, participating in (and completing) a summer reading challenge can give kids a boost. 'Setting and achieving reading goals gives kids a sense of accomplishment,' said Hodges. Reading during the summer has more tangible benefits, too. It's been linked to higher test scores and is a way to fight the dreaded 'summer slide' — 'the loss of academic skills that occurs when school is not in session and which is attributed largely to the lack of reading‚' according to Scholastic's Kids & Family Reading Report. What can parents and family members do to help? Hodges and Crosby had some suggestions. Summer is a great time to let kids explore their interests — wherever it may take them. 'We like to suggest that parents let their kids choose what they want to read and what they're interested in without giving any, like, input or judgment or expectation of reading level,' Hodges said, advising that parents give their kids 'free rein in the library.' Kids appear to overwhelmingly support this approach — 92% of kids said they're more likely to finish a book that they picked out themselves, according to Scholastic's report, and 93% said that their favorite books are ones they picked themselves. Crosby says that he's seen graphic novels become increasingly popular among kids, particularly middle-grade readers. Although reading graphic novels or comic books is sometimes looked down as not really 'reading,' Crosby calls that idea a 'myth.' 'Being able to choose a graphic novel, not only does it give them the story and encourage reading, but it sparks that creativity.' Letting kids have the choice in what they're reading is crucial, according to both Crosby and Hodges. 'Choice is the magic,' Crosby said. 'The best thing to get kids excited about reading is for adults to also be excited about reading,' said Hodges. One way for family members to show their excitement is to participate in reading challenges together. 'When grown-ups, you know, come to the library and sign up for the challenge and select their own books, it gets their kids excited and encourages them to do the same thing,' Hodges said. Reading and discussing books together can also provide connection between parents and kids, according to Crosby. 'I encourage parents to read whatever their kids are reading,' he said. 'Because that conversation, you know, it's unique — it's not about dinner. It's not about taking out the trash. It's not about chores. It's about sharing and experience.' The Salt Lake County Library's summer program is meant to go beyond just reading, according to Hodges — they're hoping to encourage patrons to 'stay engaged in many different ways all summer long, so to keep their mind, bodies, social well-being all engaged.' The summer reading challenge can be a way to encourage library patrons to interact more with the library itself, through social events as well as by making use of the library's resources, such as a 3D printer or VR equipment. A little over half (52%) of kids say that they enjoy going to community events that involve reading, according to Scholastic's report. Involving them in events and activities is another way to keep kids engaged. Crosby agreed that, for the King's English, 'it's not just the books.' 'It's a place where everyone can come together and exchange ideas, and share stories — literally," he said. 'And, you know, engage with people who also read like you do. The amount of conversation sometimes, just between the readers shopping in the store, it's phenomenal.' Public libraries. Libraries across the country typically hold challenges each summer. In Utah, the Salt Lake City Library, Davis County Library and Park City Library are among those hosting challenges — check your local library to see what it has planned. Other reading challenges. You can look to bookstores like the King's English and Barnes & Noble, or to restaurants like Chuck E. Cheese or Pizza Hut, or even organizations like the Utah State Fair for other fun challenges.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scholastic Announces Strategic Integration of Trade Publishing, Book Fairs and Book Clubs as New Children's Book Group to Expand Reach and Value of Scholastic Publishing
Sasha Quinton, Current School Reading Events President, to Lead Scholastic Children's Book Group Jackie De Leo, Leader During Barnes & Noble's Transformation, Joins Scholastic as Publisher & Chief Merchant NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced the strategic integration of its Trade Publishing, Book Fairs and Book Clubs divisions into a new, combined Children's Book Group, under the leadership of Sasha Quinton, effective June 1, 2025. The reorganization best positions Scholastic's publishing to reach even more kids through a cohesive approach across all its channels. Scholastic President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Warwick said, "Scholastic's ability to work seamlessly across media, publishing and distribution has never been more important to maximizing the value of our IP and ensuring that the work of our authors and illustrators connects to readers. It's an exciting time for the Company and we're eager for this next advancement of our content strategy, solidifying that Scholastic-published and produced stories and characters are part of children's lives generation after generation." As President, School Reading Events, Ms. Quinton led substantial gains in profitability across Book Clubs and Book Fairs, including record revenue per fair through a strong focus on kid-first marketing and merchandising. She now steps into a newly created role of Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Children's Book Group, expanding her portfolio to include Trade Publishing. She will continue to report to Mr. Warwick while working closely with Iole Lucchese, Chief Strategy Officer and President, Scholastic Entertainment, to bolster the Company's 360-degree IP creation strategy by opening up pathways between editorial, distribution and merchandising. Ms. Quinton stated, "I am excited and honored to lead Scholastic's talented children's book publishing and distribution teams. Each of these groups is dedicated to reaching every child, as well as listening to what they want to read – an area in which Scholastic has unrivaled insight. Our new collaborative structure unlocks our potential to meet kids where they are – whether through book retailers, school-based fairs and clubs or on screens with our media peers. This will strengthen and maintain our leading position in children's publishing with an iconic backlist, while creating beloved new stories and characters the world has yet to meet." As part of this growth-focused integration, Jackie De Leo joins Scholastic Children's Book Group as Publisher and Chief Merchant, based in New York and reporting to Ms. Quinton, starting June 2, 2025. This first-of-its-kind role for the company brings editorial and curation together in a new way that is uniquely possible at Scholastic. Ms. De Leo will be responsible for continuing Scholastic's renowned reputation for publishing high-quality and engaging books, while growing opportunities and reach for all IP. Ms. De Leo is a well-known leader in the trade publishing and bookselling community. Her career spans more than 25 years across key areas of the industry. In her most recent position as Chief Merchandising Officer for Barnes & Noble, she oversaw purchasing, assortment development and marketing during a pivotal era of resurgence for the retailer. She has also held senior roles at Disney Book Group and Readerlink, among others. The Company expects to provide further details on the organization and strategic outlook for its Children's Book Group, including when it reports its fiscal 2025 results and fiscal 2026 outlook this coming July. About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children's books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the conditions of the children's book and educational materials markets generally and acceptance of the Company's products within those markets, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated. SCHL: Financial View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Scholastic Corporation Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This is the future kids want
This story originally appeared in , Vox's newsletter about kids, for everyone. . Earlier this year, I went to Career Day at my older kid's school. The experience was sometimes humbling — at an elementary school career fair, no one can compete with the firefighters — but it was also incredibly joyful. Hearing from kids about what they want to be when they grow up can be a balm for anxious times. Adults may be fearful for the future, kids are still dreaming and planning, figuring out the place they're going to inhabit in a world that's constantly changing. Yes, kids today will come of age in a time of climate change, war, and democratic backsliding — but they're also going to create new art, invent new technologies, and pioneer new policies that will make the world better and richer in ways we can't even imagine yet. With all this in mind, I asked a few kids — including some of the Scholastic Kid Reporters who have helped me out in the past — to tell me what they want to be when they grow up, and what changes they hope to see in the world. A selection of their responses, which have been condensed and edited, are below. If the kids in your life would like to weigh in too, you can reach me at I want to be a gymnastics teacher. I want to get married and have kids, maybe five. I want to go to France. I want to do ballet in France. I want to do anything I want. I want more kittens on the planet. I want everyone to have their own house with their own family. I want self-driving lawnmowers. I don't want people to eat chickens, who should be treated like a princess. —Mairead, age 8 During Covid, our math and science teacher would show us these videos about space. Those videos really inspired me. The idea that there might be life other than planet Earth was just really cool to me. Our universe is so big, there's so many places to explore, so many new things to learn. [As a Scholastic Kid Reporter, I wrote a story] about the total solar eclipse. I remember interviewing Mr. James Tralie. That was really cool, because he worked at NASA, but he was also an animator, and I also love art and drawing. From that experience, I learned being part of NASA and learning about space is not only about being a scientist or being an engineer, it's also about doing art, doing music, and just doing what you truly love related to space. When I was younger, I loved playing with Legos. I love building new things. I've learned a lot about being an aerospace technician or an engineer: building rockets, fixing issues related to space technology. I also love exploring. So being an astronomer is one of my dreams. I just don't think it makes sense that there's only one planet in our entire universe where there's life. I hope to find life on other planets in the future. —Aiden, age 13 I want to be a teacher because I see in my class a lot of different faces and colors of everyone, and I think it's going to be important to help other people grow like I grow in my school. In my class, I have people who are shy, people who need extra help, and people who are really smart, so I feel like getting education for everybody to reach the same [level] is going to be hard. —Kimaaya, age 8 I would like to taxidermy a lamprey eel. —Eleanor, age 6 Interviewing ukulelist James Hill as a Scholastic Kid Reporter and talking to him about music showed me that there are many different ways to play an instrument. On his ukulele, he doesn't just play a couple of chords — he makes creative musical sounds, even drumbeats. Talking with him inspired me to become a performer on the ukulele and guitar. Not to brag, but I feel like I'm very skilled with ukulele. I feel like if someone gave me a sheet of music, I could learn it and play it for them maybe the next day perfectly. My biggest goal is to experiment more with the notes and strings, learn some more tricks on it, and maybe someday make my own album. —Owen, age 12 I want to do research in politics or economics that could bring about real changes in our world. Growing up during the Covid pandemic, we were all stuck online. I was seeing a lot of stuff about the Black Lives Matter movement, lots of Instagram stuff about LGBT rights, there was the Trump administration, and it really got me curious about politics and social justice. I'm from Hong Kong as well, and in 2019 there were the protests that occurred about democracy. I'm really obsessed with the idea of preserving democracy, so I think that just pushed me further into reading more about politics. I think you could use the quantitative bit of economics and tie it into the qualitative bit of politics, and use data, like observing patterns and everything, and apply that to something that could cause change in the world. I think I would be studying politics and economics so that I could keep both doors open, depending on what I want to pursue in the future. Because I'm still 17. I'm not set yet, but I think both of these paths offer me the education, the knowledge to potentially bring impact. —Macy, age 17 Watching the Olympics, hearing about doing archery, and seeing pictures [inspired me to want to be an Olympic archer]. Last year, I started saving up for an archery bow, and now I have one. We go to archery club every Sunday. [I also want to be] a bat scientist. A few days ago, we went on a bat watch in the middle of the night. Have you heard of something called a bat detector? It's a little device, and it can intercept different kinds of bat calls with this little dial, and you turn it [to] different levels, and you can listen for bats. We were at this wood cabin, and there was a big light for the bugs, and the bats would quickly go for them. So we didn't really see them clearly, but we heard them very loud. [I want to] study about bats: what they eat, what size they are, and where they like to go and everything. —Flower, age 8 Your mom says you want to be an owl scientist. What makes you want to study owls? They're so pretty. What's your favorite owl? Snow owl. What do owls eat? Mice, rabbits, bugs, bats. … If I have a pet owl, and Flower has a pet bat… [trails off] —Tabby, age 4, Flower's sister A 4-year-old girl came to the US legally in 2023 to get treatment for a severe medical condition called short bowel syndrome. Now her family's legal status has been terminated, and she could die without access to care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will stop recommending routine Covid vaccines for healthy children, part of a series of policy changes that could mean kids can't access the shots, even if their families want them. Kids with autism can be at heightened risk of drowning, and traditional swim classes aren't always accessible to them. Now some nonprofits are stepping in to help. My older kid and I have been reading Hooky, a graphic novel about twin witches who miss the school bus one day and become embroiled in a variety of hijinks. Fair warning: Hooky was originally serialized and there is a lot going on. I have repeatedly had to admit to my kid that I am confused. This week I was on one of my favorite parenting podcasts, The Longest Shortest Time, talking about my experience getting a salpingectomy, a form of permanent birth control that can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. You can listen here! Two weeks ago, I wrote about 'dry texting' and how teens use their phones to avoid in-person conflict with one another. Young people had a lot to tell me about this phenomenon, more than I could include in the original story. So I wanted to share what Gracelynn, age 12 and a Scholastic Kid Reporter, told me in an email: Gracelynn said online arguments can be more complex than in-person confrontation because 'when you are chatting online, they could copy and paste the text or media image and use it against you.' With in-person arguments, it's also easier for adults to overhear and intervene. Gracelynn also noted that even though her school uses GoGuardian software to keep kids off certain websites during the day, 'they still manage to pull off crazy things.' Thank you again to Gracelynn and everyone who talked to me for that story, and as always, you can reach me with comments or questions at
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
