Scholastic Reads

"I've spent my whole adult life chasing the high of a Scholastic Book Fair." - @merman_melville "U kno when u get a whiff of something and ur like ah yes this smells exactly like the scholastic book fair of 2008 in the afternoon on octob—" - @ilovedogs123 "[wedding]'and now the groom will read his vows'me: you make every day feel like a scholastic book fair" - @elleryonline We've seen viral post after viral post about how much people love — and love reminiscing about — the Scholastic Book Fair. But what makes it so memorable? This week, we set out to record some of the magic. Additional resources: Read Brooke Huerter's tweet Read Kwazi Henderson's tweet Learn more about Scholastic Book Fairs Guests: Brooke Huerter is a sophomore at Marquette University Kwazi Henderson is a software engineer from Austin, Texas Alan Boyko is the president of Scholastic Book Fairs Kevin Stange is a truck driver for Scholastic Book Fairs Theresa Thompson is a library media specialist at Eastside Elementary School in Rogers, AR Nancy Holodak is the Head of the Lower School at Rumson Country Day School Jayne Geiger is the Head of School at Rumson Country Day School Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and recording by Daniel Jordan Edited by Mackenzie Cutruzzula Produced by Emily Morrow 

There are many ways to create a book desert — an area where a child has little or no access to books. Maybe a school's budget cuts lead to closure of the library. Maybe a neighborhood bookstore closes. Maybe the closest public library is too far away to reach by public transportation. Whatever the cause, the problem is clear: Too many children in the U.S. lack access to books. This week, we're talking with literacy advocates Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp about how crucial access is. It's a topic they address in their new book for K-8 educators, Game Changer! Donalyn and Colby discuss how access to a wide variety of texts, choice in what to read, and time to read are “game changers” for the lives of all children, enhancing academic achievement while shaping kids’ understanding of themselves and their world. They also offer practical ways that educators and families can make small changes that can enrich their readers' lives in major ways. Additional resources: Learn more about Game Changer!  Learn more about The Nerdy Book Club Learn more about Nerd Camp Learn more about Donalyn Miller Learn more about Colby Sharp Guests: Donalyn Miller is a leading expert on independent reading, children’s literature, and the author of two bestsellers, The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild. She is founder of the annual #bookaday event, co-founder with Colby Sharp of The Nerdy Book Club, and co-host of the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk. Her articles have appeared in Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, The Washington Post, and other prominent periodicals. Colby Sharp, a fifth-grade teacher at Parma Elementary School in Parma, Michigan, is co-founder of Nerd Camp and The Nerdy Book Club. He co-hosts the monthly twitter chats #sharpschu (with John Schumacher) and #titletalk (with Donalyn Miller), and, with Travis Jonker, The Yarn Podcast. He is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow

Students across the U.S. have shown the power and importance of news articles in the classroom. Moved by the resilience of their peers and a desire to help, kids—supported by their teachers—have developed student-led activism initiatives to raise awareness and funding for the causes they’ve read about in Scholastic Classroom Magazines such as Storyworks® for grades 4–6 and Scholastic Scope® for grades 6–8. This week, we're talking with Lauren Tarshis, editor-in-chief and publisher of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, and Kristin Lewis, editorial director of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, about how they craft the stories that inspire students to become changemakers.  We'll also hear from a third grade teacher in Cleveland, OH, about how her Scholastic News readers have made a real difference at their school with anti-bullying and recycling efforts. Additional resources: Sign up for a free trial of Scholastic Classroom Magazines Read the Scope article "Thirst" that inspired students to raise money to build clean-water wells Read the Storyworks article “Two Miles for a Drink of Water,” which shared Natalia's story with younger readers Read the Storyworks article "Deadliest Animal" that inspired students to raise money for mosquito nets Read the Scope article "Can She be Saved" that inspired students to adopt an elephant Guests Lauren Tarshis is the senior vice president and editor-in-chief/publisher of Scholastic Classroom Magazines. She's also the author of the bestselling I Survived series. Kristin Lewis is the editorial director of Scholastic Classroom Magazines and the editor of Scholastic Scope  Robin Allen-Palmore is a third grade teacher at Bolton Elementary School in Cleveland, OH. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow

This week, we're talking with Alex Gino about what it means to be an ally.  Alex is the author of the award-winning book George, about a transgender girl who wants the world to see her the way she sees herself. We talk with them about the importance of that message, as well as the messages readers will find in their latest book, You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!, about a girl who learns to be an ally, a sister, and a friend, understanding that life works in different ways for different people. Guest: Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of being alive. George was their first novel. George was a winner of the Children's Stonewall Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Children's Choice Book Awards, among a host of others. George was also featured on several Best of the Year lists. For more about Alex, please visit alexgino.com. Additional resources: Learn more about George Learn more about You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! Learn more about Alex Gino Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow

This week, we're talking with Jarrett J. Krosoczka about his graphic novel memoir for young adults, Hey, Kiddo.  The memoir, which has been longlisted for the National Book Award, follows Jarrett's childhood: His mother was a heroin addict who was in and out of rehab, so he was raised by his grandparents — loud, opinionated, but loving people who struggled with their own demons. In the midst of it all, he found art.  We also hear from Kim Tranell, executive editor, Scholastic Classroom Magazines, about ways she has covered topics of addiction—specifically, the opioid crisis—in Choices magazine for teen readers. If you're planning to share this episode with young listeners, please note that it includes some mature themes, including drug use. Additional resources: Learn more about Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Read the profile of Jarrett J. Krosoczka in The New York Times  Learn more about Jarrett J. Krosoczka's other work Learn more about Choices magazine Learn more about Scholastic Classroom Magazines Guests: Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has published dozens of books, including the Lunch Lady graphic novels, the Platypus Police Squad middle grade novels, and arcs in the Star Wars: Jedi Academy series. He was first published when he was only twenty-three years old. Jarrett's TED Talk about his childhood has been viewed over a million times and can be found on his website, www.studiojjk.com. Kim Tranell is an executive editor of Scholastic Classroom Magazines overseeing Scholastic Action and Choices. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow  

From editorial and art direction to publicity, marketing, sales, and legal — publishing the Harry Potter series involved a dedicated team across all divisions at Scholastic. In the third and final installment of our special Harry Potter series, we're talking with some of the people who have helped bring the books to life over the last twenty years. Our guests include: Arthur A. Levine, publisher of Arthur A. Levine books and the American editor of the Harry Potter series David Saylor, creative director  Rachel Coun, vice president of marketing and brand management Kris Moran, director of publicity at Scholastic in 1998 Mark Seidenfeld, vice president and deputy general counsel Lizette Serrano, executive director of educational marketing and event strategy Roz Hilden, sales representative  Additional resources: Listen to part 1 of our series: The Harry Potter Fandom Listen to part 2 of our series: The Artists of Harry Potter Watch our special video commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series in the U.S. See an archive of photos and videos from the last 20 years of Harry Potter magic Want more behind-the-scenes trivia? Read these 20 fun facts about the Harry Potter series Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

In part two of our special Harry Potter series, we're talking with some of the illustrators who have brought Harry to life over the last 20 years, including: Mary GrandPré, the illustrator of the original U.S. editions of the Harry Potter series; Brian Selznick, the illustrator of the 20th anniversary edition covers; and Jim Kay, the artist behind the fully illustrated editions. Each artist will talk about what it was like to join the Harry Potter universe and bring to life their vision of the Boy Who Lived. Additional resources: Listen to part 1 of our series: The Harry Potter Fandom Listen to part 3 of our series: The Making of Harry Potter See Mary GrandPré's illustration for the original U.S. cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone See Brian Selznick's cover art for the 20th anniversary editions of the Harry Potter series See some of Jim Kay's artwork from the fully illustrated editions Guests: Mary GrandPré has illustrated over 20 picture books, but she is perhaps best known for her illustrations on the Harry Potter books. She has also worked as the conceptual artist on Dreamwork’s animated film "Antz” and on Blue Sky Studios’ animated film “Ice Age.” Brian Selznick is the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning movie Hugo, and Wonderstruck, adapted by celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes, with a screenplay by Selznick; as well as The Marvels. His books have garnered countless accolades worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. Jim Kay won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for his illustrations in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Jim studied illustration at the University of Westminster and since graduating has worked in the Archives of Tate Britain and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Jim has produced concept work for television and contributed to a group exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He now lives and works in Northamptonshire, England, with his wife and a rescued greyhound. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

In September 1998, Scholastic published Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, introducing U.S. readers to the orphaned boy living in a cupbord under the stairs. Since then, the Harry Potter series has become a global phenomenon, selling more than 500 million copies, translated into more than 80 languages, and adapted into eight blockbuster films.  To celebrate the 20th anniversary, we're hosting a series of special episodes. Over the next few weeks, we'll talk with some of the extraordinary illustrators behind the stories, as well as Scholastic employees who were with Harry from the very beginning.  But first, we're going to talk about the fandom. This week, you'll hear from fans themselves about what Harry Potter means to them. You'll also hear from two librarians who are bringing the books to new generations of readers every day.  Additional resources: Listen to part 2: The Artists of Harry Potter Listen to part 3: The Making of Harry Potter Watch our special video commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series in the U.S. Learn more about the 20th anniversary editions of the Harry Potter series with cover art by Brian Selznick Guests: Eti Berland is a youth and teen services librarian at Lincolnwood Public Library in Illinois. Robin Brenner is the teen librarian at the Public Library of Brookline in Massachusetts. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

David Shannon is the creator of more than 30 picture books including A Bad Case of Stripes and the beloved David books: No, David!, David Gets in Trouble, David Goes to School, and It's Christmas, David. This week, he joins us in conversation about his latest book, Grow Up, David! (available in both English and Spanish) Coming 20 years after the first publication of the Caldecott Honor book No, David!, Grow Up, David! introduces David's big brother and follows our trouble-making hero from one antic to the next in an effort to win his brother's approval. David talks about just how autobiographical the David books are, why No, David! was such a departure for him, and some of his favorite moments from the last 20 years. Additional resources: Learn more about Grow Up, David! Learn more about David Shannon Guest:  David Shannon is the internationaly acclaimed creator of more than 30 picture books, including No, David!, a Caldecott Honor Book and his second New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and four more David picture books. Shannon's other bestsellers include A Bad Case of Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and Too Many Toys! He lives in Southern California with his family. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Chris Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

Jeff Smith broke ground with the graphic novelization of his long-running comic, BONE. Now, he's introducing the beloved cousins from Boneville to a younger audience with his first picture book, Smiley's Dream Book. This week, we sit down with Jeff to talk about writing a picture book, the cartoonists who inspire him, and why he'll never say you shouldn't doodle on your math homework. Additional resources: Learn more about Smiley's Dream Book  Learn more about Graphix, Scholastic's graphic novel imprint Learn more about Jeff Smith Follow Graphix on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr Guests: Jeff Smith is the award-winning creator of the New York Times bestselling BONE series. This epic story about three Bone cousins lost in a valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures is loved by readers young and old, and was named by Time as one of the top ten graphic novels of all time. Today, there are millions of BONE books in print in the United States, and they have been translated into thirty languages worldwide. Smith started drawing stories about the BONE characters before the age of ten. In 1991, he launched the comic book BONE and began to create the serialized epic fantasy story that was eventually published in nine volumes. Smith was the subject of a documentary called "The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, BONE, and the Changing Face of Comics." Smith lives (and dreams) in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Vijaya Iyer. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Chris Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

This week, we’re talking with award-winning author Cornelia Funke, author of beloved books like the Inkheart series, The Thief Lord, and Dragon Rider. After many years, Cornelia is returning to the Dragon Rider world with the long-anticipated sequel, The Griffin’s Feather, out July 31. We’re also joined in the studio by Cornelia’s editor, Barry Cunningham. Barry is the founder and publisher of Chicken House, and the acquiring editor of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK. He talks about what he looks for in a manuscript, and the advice he gives aspiring writers. Additional resources: Learn more about Dragon Rider #2: The Griffin's Feather  Listen to our earlier episode with Barry Cunningham: "Barry Cunningham and M.G. Leonard talk books (and beetles!)" Learn more about Chicken House Guests: Cornelia Funke is one of today’s most beloved writers of magical stories for children. She is the author of The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, Inkheart, Inkspell, the Ghosthunters series, When Santa Fell to Earth, and Igraine the Brave. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California, in a house full of books. Barry Cunningham is the founder of Chicken House, a lively and creative company publishing highly original and enjoyable children’s books, with a special emphasis on new fiction. Chicken House launched in the US in 2001 and marked its 15th anniversary here this past summer. Barry is also known for signing up J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while at Bloomsbury. Together with Chicken House and Scholastic, Barry is proud to have brought the voices of five-time New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke (The Thief Lord; Dragon Rider; the Inkheart trilogy), Printz Honor Award-winning Lucy Christopher (Stolen), Kevin Brooks (Martyn Pig; Lucas; Candy), Rachel Ward (Numbers trilogy), Cathryn Constable (The Wolf Princess), and M.G. Leonard (Beetle Boy) to the world. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Chris Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

We are a nation of immigrants. And they have stories to tell. Today, we invite you to listen to stories from authors and illustrators who are creating work that shares the immigrant experience and what it means to leave your home in search of a better life.  Featured authors: Kelly Yang, author of Front Desk Edwidge Danticat, author of Untwine  Alan Gratz, author of Refugee Sayantani DasGupta, author of The Serpent's Secret Rashin Kheiriyeh, author of Saffron Ice Cream Carmen Agra Deedy, author of The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! Additional resources: See the note from Kelly Yang's teacher about promoting her to second grade See a photo of the dress Carmen Agra Deedy wore when her family left Cuba Listen to Edwidge Danticat on the Scholastic Reads, podcast episode #18: "Edwidge Danticat: Beating the Darkness" Listen to Alan Gratz on the Scholastic Reads podcast, episode #42: "Telling the Stories of Refugees" Listen to Sayantani DasGupta on the Scholastic Reads podcast, episode #58: "Sayantani DasGupta and The Serpent's Secret" Listen to Carmen Agra Deedy on the Scholastic Reads podcast, episode #32: "The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet: Giving Children a Voice" Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Chris Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow  

As video games continue to captivate kids around the world, Scholastic AFK—or "Away From Keyboard"—books aim to harness that gaming passion, and convert it into a literacy tool. To learn more about this initiative, we sat down with Michael Petranek, an executive editor at Scholastic, and Matthew J. Kirby, the author of the Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants series. They tell us about what they love about gaming as well as some of the many benefits these books provide to growing readers: they encourage time away from screens, while also supporting reading and literacy by keeping fans engaged in the worlds they love. Additional resources: Learn more about AFK See all of our AFK books Learn more about Matthew J. Kirby Read more about the study around Assassin's Creed Discover Mode Guests: Michael Petranek is an executive editor at Scholastic Matthew J. Kirby is the author of Last Descendants: An Assassin's Creed Novel Series Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow

Several months ago, we asked authors of different cultures, races, abilities, genders and orientations to tell us about the first time they saw themselves in the pages of a book. (You can listen to that episode here.) We expected the answer. We knew it was coming. But still, it tore at us: Over and over, these authors said, "I didn't. I didn't see myself." At Scholastic, we are proud to publish books that give all children the chance to see themselves as heroes. But we know that we still have work to do. And part of that work is listening. So, this week, in celebration of Pride Month, we are spotlighting some of our LGBTQ+ authors who are writing to fill the void they felt growing up. Contributing authors: Bill Konigsberg, author of Honestly Ben Sarah Moon, author of Sparrow Alex Gino, author of George Kody Keplinger, author of Run Will Walton, author of I Felt a Funeral In My Brain Jessica Verdi, author of And She Was Billy Merrell, author of Vanilla Additional resources: Listen to episode #50: I Exist: Why Representation in Children's Books Matters Learn more about Scholastic's #ReadWithPride campaign Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Chris Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

Research shows that when children and their families have the resources they need to read throughout the summer, fewer students experience a loss of skills while school is out. This week, we're talking with two experts about ways they work to keep books in the hands of their students all summer long, and the incredible results they've seen as a result of their focus on summer reading.  First, we talk with Jennifer Boren, a library media specialist in Collierville, Tennessee. Jennifer talks about her experience with the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, the importance of representation in children's books, and some of the accomplishments of her summer readers. We also hear from a few of Jennifer's students about why they love to read! Later, we talk with Ansel Sanders, president and CEO of Public Education Partners in Greenville, South Carolina. In 2016 and 2017, PEP collaborated with Scholastic to measure the impact of their award-winning Make Summer Count initiative to eliminate summer reading loss. The results were incredibly positive: 78% of participating students maintained or increased their reading level from spring to fall. Additional resources: Learn more about the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge Read more about the summer reading research from Greenville, SC, and Stoughton, MA See some of the key data from Make Summer Count 2017 Read the executive summary for Make Summer Count 2017 Read the White Paper for Make Summer Count 2017 Guests: Jennifer Boren is the Library Media Specialist at Bailey Station Elementary and has worked in public education for sixteen years. She is Apple Teacher certified and serves her school district as the Lead Library Media Specialist and Vanguard Coach for Collierville Schools. In addition to reading avidly, traveling, and spending time with her family, she works as a freelance writer for Memphis Parent Magazine and blogs at https://bookjabber.wordpress.com Ansel Sanders is President and CEO of Public Education Partners (PEP), an education fund that incubates innovative pracitces and positions the community to advocate for excellent public education in Greenville, South Carolina.  Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow