Scholastic HQ with banner announcing new series by author of Captain Underpants
Yesterday I spent the morning at the Scholastic headquarters in Soho with other local NY area bloggers and those who were there to attend BlogHer 2010. Just as I expected, it was incredible to learn more about a company that is a staple in children’s books. I learned that they are in fact the largest publisher of children’s books in the world.
We heard a lot about the Scholastic Book Clubs (follow the link to become a fan on Facebook). I love that there is a very clear purpose behind those monthly order forms:
- To encourage children to learn to read and love to read — I was reminded how affordable the books are, with several $1 books in each catalog, with more to come this year.
- Partner with teachers — 30% of the purchases go towards teacher credits, which they can use to build a classroom library. I also learned that homeschoolers can register online as educators, and receive credits on the books that your family orders.
- Support parents in role as 1st teacher.
I felt a little ashamed, to be honest. Because we receive so many books for review purposes here, I usually say no to those forms, though we do always buy at the Book Fair, both for the kids and for their teacher’s wish list. No one was trying to shame us, but the reminder that kids read what they pick out themselves struck home for me. My six-year-old little guy needs all the encouragement he can get to learn to love to read. The memory of sitting in my own classroom and figuring out the books I wanted, then bringing in cash or a check paperclipped to the order form snipped off the circular, and then the big day — the day that I walked into my classroom to find that little pile of books on my desk.
So I’m thinking that every month, or at least every other month, I’m going to give Kyle a few bucks to pick out a book or two that he wants to read. One of the moms said that she buys the books each month and then donates them back to the classroom library after her son reads them. I like that idea as well.
Scholastic is turning 90 on October 22 (just one day after yours truly reaches a milestone birthday as well), and before then, I will be letting you know more about their big literacy campaign, but I have to share the slogan now:
After the upbeat and informative presentations (and a nice breakfast), we were invited to visit the swag table and fill a really beautiful red bag, and then go downstairs to the Scholastic store to use a $15 gift certificate on anything we wanted. The store is awesome — bright, cheery, and so fun. It’s open to the public.
I had heard about the book Smile, a tale of middle school mortification, and since the author was there, that was what I bought for Amanda, my incoming middle school student.
Raina Telgemeier (and me) after she signed a copy of her autobiographical graphic novel SMILE for Amanda
I seriously considered Captain Underpants for Kyle, but instead I got the first book in another series by Dav Pilkey called Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot. It looks like a perfect level for Kyle, a very very early short chapter book. And there’s no guy running around in his underwear.
Other books that I brought home thanks to Scholastic:
- Doodle Journal: My Life in Scribbles which aforementioned tween says is too babyish for her, but you can’t go wrong with Klutz, so I’ll save it for a gift (“But not for any of my friends,” reminds Amanda. “That’s a good gift for, like, 8-year-olds.”)
Dot And Dash Learn To Share which Kyle read right away and did NOT declare too babyish. How adorable are they?- A Chuggington book The Chugger Championship, at which he did turn up his nose (apparently trains are SO “preschool”).
- Dark Life by Kat Falls (find out more about the exciting YA book and the author in two videos over at the Scholastic Blog).
- A storytime read-along DVD featuring the Teacher from the Black Lagoon and another lagoon story
- The Dreamer, a fictional biography of the Nobel prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, written by Pam Munoz Ryan.
In one of the presentations, they highlighted a very cool book concept by Patrick Carman, which intrigued me, so I can’t wait to check out Trackers, a tween book that combines online video that you watch while reading. You read, then you watch to see the next plot element, then you read some more to further the plot on your own.
And we can’t talk about Scholastic without looking to the book that we are all waiting for, featured prominently in their window display:
Apparently even Scholastic staff is still waiting as well. 8-24-10, already preordered.
We just love Scholastic, even though I wish they’d put less non-book items in their catalog choices. I’m happy to be a part of the school book fairs, and when we set up, we often don’t even put some of that stuff out, instead using the space for MORE BOOKS!
And 8/24 is highlighted on my calendar, too. I simply cannot wait to check in with Katniss again!!
A mom actually commented about the non-book choices. She said that if their goal was to promote reading, can they get rid of that stuff??
I wanted to include that, but ran out of space (see above)
The rep said it’s all part of the plan and that it’s sometimes the toys that actually get kids to look at the catalog, and they have to stay “relevant.” I sort of get that, and as a mom, I always say no to the toys/video games, but I also see the other side as well of not using the space for them.
yay Scholastic Books! I had no idea they turn 90 soon.
that SMILE makes me smile. I went through a similar experience at the same age as the author. maybe I’ll blog about it (don’t you love all these graphic novels for kids! the artwork is fab!)
I have Mockingjay next to my bed. Can’t wait to read it; funny how my library had it before the bookstore (?)
m
Whoa — step back — you have Mockingjay? Seriously? It’s not out, and the people who worked at Scholastic were saying that they haven’t even seen it yet.
Thanks for posting about the Scholastic event. Sounds like you had a great time. My daughter loves her Scholastic Book Club flyers, and I always order something. I also help with our school’s book fair. We keep baskets out and parents can purchase book right at the book fair and donate them for use in classrooms. Works out wonderfully.
It really is awesome to purchase AND give back at the same time.
sorry! my bad. it’s Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine.
Yes. NOT Mockingjay, which my daughter and I will be fighting over when Amazon delivers it on 8/24.
I can’t wait for Mockingjay! Love this post on Scholastic – hopefully next year when I am in New York for BEA I can tour this.
I didn’t go on any of the publishing tours this year at BEA, because I was commuting in, but I’d love to make some this year.
Hi Jennifer! It was so nice to meet you on Saturday. Thanks again for chatting, and the picture turned out nice! (Hard to go wrong with such a colorful background…) Fingers crossed for a great middle school experience for your daughter.
Yes, it is a good picture.
My daughter loved the book, and I’m going to read it and post a review here soon.
Scholastic is great. I envy your trip.
It is a bit easier to order Scholastic through the teacher’s online form. Even so, I did order much last year.
Mockingjay is probably the most anticipated book, I think. I know this household is looking forward to it. Actually, my 15 and almost 13 year old are reading the series. My just turned 11 year has not yet. I am not certain she is ready for the series. Just not sure on what the age range should be for these books….for us.
Yeah, my daughter did read that series when she was 11 (in 6th grade), but I know it’s okay for her. However, I totally understand holding off as well. It’s all a per kid basis.
What a nice surprise to run into you at the Scholastic breakfast event. I’m amazed you did your shopping so quickly. LOL
I was towards the front of the line getting out of the breakfast, so I went right down before it got crowded. Great store, and I’d love to go back.
I also always shop at the book fairs and make sure to purchase a teacher’s wish, but I very rarely buy from the order form. I should make a point to do that more often.
Oh and Alex likes Ricky Ricotta a lot, and they’re much easier for him to read than the Captain. I don’t say no to the Captain because as you said, kids read what they pick out, but I do try to push him toward Ricky too.
We did make it to the library today, and he already read another Ricky Ricotta book, and the Super Diaper Baby book that I picked up, but wished I hadn’t. Deputy Doo-Doo??? Yeah. I told him not to get any Captain Underpants books (yet).
What a fun trip! I missed the Scholastic visit at BEA, but I hope to visit their headquarters next time.
Yeah I missed ALL the visits at BEA since I was commuting in and I’ll definitely do some this year.
I love books and book-people.