New York, NY (August 11, 2011)--Six-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks captain Amar’e Stoudemire has signed with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, which has acquired world rights to STAT: Standing Tall and Talented, a chapter book series for middle-grade readers launching in August 2012. Stoudemire is committed to turning kids, especially boys, into readers. The new series, named after his nickname STAT, will be based on the life of Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today. The deal was negotiated by Happy Walters from Rogue Sports, Aaron Spiewak from Designers Management Agency, and Cathy Hemming from McCormick and Williams for Amar’e Stoudemire and Debra Dorfman, Vice President Publisher for Paperbacks, Non-fiction and Licensing, from Scholastic.

“Amar’e Stoudemire is a NBA megastar and a New York hero. He is passionate about reading and education and we are proud to partner with him to publish a new chapter book series that will inspire more kids to embrace reading through Amar’e’s story,” said Debra Dorfman.

“I am excited to create my book series with Scholastic,” said Amar’e Stoudemire. “They are the best in the business so I trust them with my stories. I decided to write for children because although I am an avid reader now, I wish I had read more as a child. I hope that together with Scholastic, we can creatively inspire a new generation to read.”

The first book in STAT: Standing Tall And Talented will be published in both hardcover and paperback on August 1, 2012, to be followed by new books in October 2012 and January 2013. In STAT #1: Home Court, eleven-year-old Amar’e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He plays sports with his friends. He takes his school work seriously. He helps out with his dad’s landscaping company. And he loves to go skateboarding in the park. But when an older group of boys start bullying his friends on the basketball court, Amar’e is forced to step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. He realizes that basketball is his true passion.

About Amar’e Stoudemire
Widely considered one of the best high school players in the country, Amar’e Stoudemire was selected ninth in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. His ability to adjust and learn helped him become the first player to be drafted out of high school to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In 2010, Stoudemire joined the New York Knicks for his ninth year in the league. This six-time NBA All-Star is a well-respected professional basketball player who continues to leave a legacy in the game and in the community through his award winning outreach.

Through the Amar’e Stoudemire Foundation, Stoudemire is focused on creatively inspiring youth to avoid poverty through education. Amar’e has been able to provide needed resources for New York’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Beacon Centers, AAU programs, youth basketball tournaments and projects abroad. Stoudemire was named a Good Will Ambassador to the country of Sierra Leone and he is currently developing a community center in the African nation of Mali. In Spring 2011, the National Father's Day Council honored him as one of their Fathers of the Year. Learn more about Amar’e Stoudemire at: www.Amarestoudemire.com; facebook.com/AmareStoudemire; twitter.com/amareisreal; and youtube.com/stattv.

About Scholastic
For more about Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), visit our media room at: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com

Contact:

Tracy van Straaten (Scholastic)
VP, Trade Publicity, Scholastic
212/389-3782
tvanstraaten@scholastic.com

Ashley Smith (for Amar’e Stoudemire)
Mint Sports & Entertainment
949-246-1999
Ashley@themintinc.com