World’s Bestselling Author James Patterson Pledges $2.5 Million to Save Classroom Libraries in Renewed Partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs

April 14, 2020, New York, NY – In the sixth year of his continued partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs, James Patterson announced today his personal pledge of up to $2.5 million to help teachers build their classroom libraries and give children a better chance of becoming lifelong readers. With many schools closed for the remainder of the year, and the crucial need among teachers for resources that will help them create welcoming environments when students return, Patterson’s pledge is more important now than ever. According to the Teacher & Principal School Report, nearly four in 10 teachers cannot update their classroom libraries more than every two years. The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report: 7th Edition found that only 43% of school-aged children have access to a classroom library, and among them only one in three kids has access to a classroom library with enough of the types of books they like to read.

In an ongoing effort to make real change in those statistics, 5,000 teachers will be awarded $500 in individual grants matched by 500 Bonus Points from Scholastic Book Clubs to acquire books and other materials needed to enhance their classroom libraries. Due to the resounding response to the Patterson Partnership, and its proven successful track record, Patterson has doubled last year’s pledge, which drew more than 124,000 applicants, with hopes to reach even more teachers and classrooms across the country. Applications for 2020 grants are now being accepted through July 31, 2020 and winners will be announced in September.

To date, James Patterson has donated $8.5 million to school and classroom libraries through his partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs—this year brings that total to $11 million. To learn more about the program, and to apply for a grant, please visit: {scholastic.com/pattersonpartnership} 

James Patterson said, “Parents are more appreciative of teachers right now perhaps more than ever. In the past month of homeschooling, teachers have become heroes to many, who are seeing just what it takes to teach kids day in and day out. And while I’ve always been grateful to our nation’s teachers – my mom was a teacher for 45 years –I hope that my partnership with Scholastic underscores that appreciation and acknowledges the vital work they do.”  

Judy Newman, President and Reader in Chief of Scholastic Book Clubs said, “Teachers are always at the front lines of educating all our children and introducing them to books and reading—no matter what else is going on in the world. As the COVID-19 crisis has shown, the hard work and dedication of America’s teachers—and what is demanded of them—cannot be overstated. That’s why we are so thrilled to once again partner with James Patterson. James’s record-breaking $2.5 million donation for classroom libraries will reach more teachers than ever before, helping teachers fill their classroom libraries with books that will appeal to the wide variety of interests, reading levels, and imaginations of all their students. We are grateful to James for his generosity and for his appreciation of classroom teachers, and for the sixth year in a row we are inspired by his unwavering dedication to creating future generations of lifelong readers.”

Patterson hopes that teachers and students will share their experiences in their communities using #PattersonPledge. The application process is simple: teachers just need to say in 50 characters or less how they plan on using $500 dollars and 500 Bonus Points to help build their classroom libraries. {All teachers in PreK through grade 12 in U.S. schools (50 U.S. and D.C.) are eligible to apply for a grant. All funds are being personally donated by James Patterson, and all Bonus Points are being donated by Scholastic Book Clubs.}

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James Patterson
James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author. The creator of Alex Cross, he has produced more enduring fictional heroes than any other novelist alive. Over the past decade, Patterson has given away more than $75 million to support teachers, bookstores, booksellers and various literacy initiatives, and over a million books to students and the military. 

Scholastic
For 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

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Media Contacts:

Erinn McGrath
Erinn.McGrath@hbgusa.com
Office: 212-364-1181

Allyson Barkan, Scholastic
abarkan@scholastic.com
Office: 212-389-3469