New York, NY—December 13, 2018—Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, has acquired actor and activist Alyssa Milano’s debut children’s book series. Hope, to be illustrated by Eric S. Keyes and published on October 1, 2019, is an empowering fiction series centered on a spunky eleven-year-old girl named Hope who seeks to create social change in her community. Scholastic Audio will release the audiobook narrated by Alyssa Milano simultaneously with the hardcover edition. Creative Artists Agency represented Milano in the deal for World English rights. Translation rights are available through CAA.

“As a mother, I can’t think of a more important time to let kids know that their voice matters. I’m so excited about my new character, Hope Roberts. She believes in dreaming big. She’s brave and strong and confident in her abilities—but she’s also a girl just trying to survive middle school. I’m thrilled to be working with Scholastic on this empowering book series and can’t wait for everyone to meet Hope,” said Alyssa Milano.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Alyssa Milano’s for years and I was so excited from the very moment she shared her idea and vision for HOPE—a series centered around a smart and passionate character who is ready to conquer the world,” said Debra Dorfman, Vice President and Publisher, Global Licensing, Brands and Media, Scholastic. “Alyssa is such positive role model and I admire how she uses her voice and her platform to help those in need around the world, especially children. We at Scholastic are thrilled to share her inspiring and hopeful message to kids everywhere.”

About Hope
Meet Hope Roberts. She’s eleven years old, and she wants to be an astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books, and her two rescue dogs. Hope believes it’s always a good day to champion a cause, defend an underdog, and save the future. And most of all, she believes in dreaming big. She’s smart, fearless, and confident in her abilities. But though Hope seems super strong on the outside, there’s another side of her, too. She’s just a regular girl trying to survive middle school. Relatable and wholly inspirational as well as aspirational, Hope’s can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders.

About Alyssa Milano
Actress and activist Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life in the public eye. A famous child actor, she has continued to work throughout her adulthood in both television and film, most notably starring in the wildly popular television series “Who’s the Boss” and “Charmed.” Alyssa is also a lifelong activist and is passionate about fighting for human rights around the world. In 2003, UNICEF invited Alyssa to become a National Ambassador in recognition of her charitable work on behalf of children. Ever since then, Alyssa has been a champion of children’s rights, working closely with UNICEF to raise money and awareness and provide aid to the children who need it most all over the world. Alyssa also speaks to kids in schools around the country about the importance of voting and teaches them how to fill out a ballot because she believes it’s never too early to be civic-minded. Most recently, Alyssa is known for popularizing the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter, sparking the massive viral movement. She was named one of the 2017 Persons of the Year in Time magazine alongside other prestigious activists. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two kids.

Illustrator Bio
Eric S. Keyes is currently an animator and character designer on The Simpsons, joining the show in its first season. He has worked on many other shows throughout the years, including King of the Hill, The Critic, and Futurama. He was also a designer and art director on Disney’s Recess. This is his first time illustrating a children’s book. Eric lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum and professional services, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, classroom magazines and other products and services that support children's learning both in school and at home. With operations in 14 international offices 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 collections, school and public libraries, retail and online. True to its mission of 98 years to encourage the personal and intellectual growth of all children beginning with literacy, the Company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

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Alyssa Milano headshot photo credit: Dirk Franke

Scholastic Media Contact:
Charisse Meloto
VP, Global Brand Publicity, 212-389-3785; cmeloto@scholastic.com