Scholastic Reads

In this episode, Arthur A. Levine, Vice President and Publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books , joins us to talk about the authors, topics, and books that he has championed throughout his career. Authors Francisco Stork ( Marcelo in the Real World,  The Memory of Light) and Mike Jung  (Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities, Unidentified Suburban Object ) will also join us to talk abo...

In this episode, we're talking about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards , the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12. Created in 1923 by Scholastic founder Maurice R. "Robbie" Robinson, the program has a noteworthy roster of past winners, including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, and Joyce Ca...

In this episode, literacy expert Pam Allyn joins us to talk about summer learning and how we can turn the dreaded “summer slide”—the learning loss children experience when they’re out of school—into the “summer  leap ,” a time filled with opportunity and joy around reading. Kelli Cedo, Principal of Forrest Elementary in Virginia, and Bruce Butler, Principal of Marieville Elementary Schoo...

We’re celebrating School Library Month with three of the most dedicated librarians we know. John Schumacher (the famous “Mr. Schu”) and Scholastic librarian Deimosa Webber-Bey talk with us about why they became librarians, the crucial task of finding the right book for a child, and why—as John describes it—the library is “the heart and soul of a school." Kristina Holzweiss, the 2015  Sch...

Craig Hatkoff and his daughter Isabella join us to talk about Cecil’s Pride: The True Story of a Lion King , their stunning new picture book. Craig and Isabella give us a behind-the-scenes look at the famed lion’s life and death, and explain how their family’s passion for animals has resulted in a series of children’s books about resilience and survival.  Guests: Craig Hatkoff. A prolific chi...

Actor, author, philanthropist, and rockstar mom Holly Robinson Peete joins us to talk about her new book,  Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express,  which she co-wrote with her twins, RJ and Ryan Elizabeth .  The book explores the funny, painful, and unexpected sides of teen autism.  Guest : Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) has devoted her lif...

Literacy expert Phyllis C. Hunter joins us to talk about what inspires her (Jennifer Hudson, passionate teachers, and the musical Hamilton), and to share advice on how to help children become avid readers. Guests: Phyllis C. Hunter  is an internationally renowned and beloved literacy expert who has served as an adviser to both the President of the United States and the Secretar...

Just in time for Women’s History Month, Kate Beaton joins us to talk about her bestselling picture book,  The Princess and the Pony , writing female characters, and her work on the wildly popular Hark! A Vagrant comic strip. Editors Cheryl Klein and Emily Clement also join us to talk about how they first discovered Kate’s work and to share some of their favorite female characters in literatur...

Author and actress Sonia Manzano, along with editor Andrea Davis Pinkney, discuss the making of Sonia's coming-of-age memoir,  Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx . Sonia joined the cast of the acclaimed television series  Sesame Street in 1971, where she defined the role of "Maria" and went on to write for the show, retiring in 2015 after 44 years.&nbsp...

The Scholastic News Kids Press Corps is the country’s oldest and largest student reporting program. This year, our team of young journalists is out on the campaign trail, meeting candidates and covering caucuses, primaries, and debates. In this episode, we talk with two Kid Reporters about their experiences reporting on the election so far. We also hear from Classroom Maga...

Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, joins us to discuss her new book, The Hero Two Doors Down: A Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend . Plus, we hear from filmmaker Ken Burns about his new documentary, Jackie Robinson , coming this April. Guests: Sharon Robinson Ken Burns Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Danie...

Scholastic editor Liza Baker joins us to talk about Scholastic's new awareness campaign, “ The Story Starts Here ,” which emphasizes the importance of reading to children from day one. Plus, Stephen Savage ( Where’s Walrus and Penguin? ) joins us to discuss his work as an award-winning picture book author and illustrator. Guests: Liza Baker, VP/Executive Editorial Director for Cartwheel and O...

What are the big trends in children’s literature for 2016? Look out for superheroes, graphic novels, diverse characters and mythology! Experts David Allender and Preeti Chibberr share their projections for the coming year. Guests: David Allender: Editorial Director, Scholastic Reading Club Preeti Chhibber, Senior Editorial Manager, Scholastic Reading Club Special thanks: Music composed b...

Literacy experts Pam Allyn and Ernest Morrell join us to talk about their new book,  Every Child A Super Reader . The book helps parents and educators develop seven key strengths in young learners, transforming them into “Super Readers”—avid, passionate and critical. Learn more about Every Child a Super Reader at scholastic.com/superreader . Guests: Pam Allyn: Li...

Giving the gift of reading isn’t always easy, especially when you have a reluctant reader on your holiday shopping list. Experts David Allender and Preeti Chhibber answer parents’ questions about their trickiest book-buying challenges. Plus, we interview Scholastic employees about what books they’re buying this holiday season and why.  Guests: David Allender: Editorial Director, Scholastic Re...

What makes the Harry Potter series so special? How did it become the most popular in all of children’s literature? Cheryl Klein talks about her work as continuity editor on the series and shares harrowing stories about keeping the manuscript secret. Literacy expert Pam Allyn, Founding Director of LitWorld, weighs in on how Hogwarts and the lessons Harry Potter teaches us can be valuable for educat...