Scholastic Relaunches Acclaimed Dear America Series This Fall with New Publishing and Online Content from Library of Congress
NEW YORK — September 8, 2010 — Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, announced today that it will re-launch the acclaimed and bestselling Dear America® historical fiction series this fall with a combination of all-new publishing and re-issues of classic Dear America titles—plus an exciting new interactive website with historical content provided by the Library of Congress.
Originally launched in 1996, the original Dear America series for readers ages 8 – 14 has more than 14 million copies in print. Written by an array of award-winning and bestselling writers, the Dear America books are presented in diary format from the perspective of girls living at different times in American history. Publication of the series ended in 2004, and fans, booksellers, educators, and parents have requested that the series be brought back into print. The series will re-launch in September 2010 with The Fences Between Us, an all-new story set in the Pacific Northwest during WWII by Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson. Also to be reissued this fall are two classic Dear America titles: A Journey to the New World by bestselling author Kathryn Lasky and The Winter of Red Snow by bestselling author Kristiana Gregory. Both new and re-issued favorites will be published seasonally.
Simultaneously, Scholastic and the Library of Congress will offer teachers and librarians a wealth of lesson plans, historical documents and archival photos, and other teaching resources at the educator site (www.scholastic.com/teachdearamerica). The site also features timelines, author videos, discussion guides, and more, bringing the history in each book to life.
“Since its launch in 1996, the Dear America series has been embraced by readers and educators for its combination of rich storytelling and historical accuracy,” said Ellie Berger, President of the Trade Publishing division of Scholastic. “We are pleased to reintroduce this beloved book series by award-winning authors with the added dimension of a rich online experience through our relationship with the Library of Congress.”
“The Library of Congress is excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Scholastic on the re-release of the classic Dear America series,” said Laura Campbell, Associate Librarian for Strategic Initiatives. “Combining these compelling stories with the Library’s unparalleled primary source collections will help make history more accessible and engaging for teachers and students alike.”
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.
September 2010
DEAR AMERICA: The Fences Between Us (NEW)
DEAR AMERICA: A Journey to the New World
DEAR AMERICA: The Winter of Red Snow
DEAR AMERICA: Voyage on the Great Titanic
DEAR AMERICA: Like the Willow Tree (NEW)
DEAR AMERICA: A Picture of Freedom
DEAR AMERICA: A Light in the Storm
DEAR AMERICA: When Will This Cruel War Be Over?
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Becky Amsel, Publicist, bamsel@scholastic.com, 212/389-3788