New York, NY (February 11, 2003) -- Scholastic Inc. announced today that J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will have a first printing of 6. 8 million copies, an all-time United States publishing record. To be released on June 21, 2003, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is over 255,000 words, 38 chapters and approximately 896 pages, compared to J.K.Rowling's extraordinary previous book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which was over 19l,000 words, 37 chapters and 752 pages in hardcover. Scholastic set a suggested retail price of $29.99 for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

In making the announcement of the unprecedented first printing, Barbara Marcus, President of Scholastic Children's Books, said: "The demand at retail and pre-orders by customers for the new Harry Potter book have been absolutely phenomenal. With this level of anticipation for J.K. Rowling's masterful new adventure, we want to make sure that all Harry Potter fans can get their copies on June 21st."

When Scholastic released Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in July, 2000, it became the fastest-selling book in history. Within 48 hours 3 million copies were sold and Scholastic went back to press for an additional 3 million immediately. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in hardcover and paperback, has sold over l6 million copies since being released. All four Harry Potter books published by Scholastic in the United States in hardcover and paperback have sold a total of nearly 80 million copies since September, 1998, when the company first released Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Scholastic also announced a first printing of 350,000 copies of a Deluxe Edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix especially targeted to the Harry Potter collector's market. The Deluxe Edition will be designed with a full-case cloth cover with gold embossing which will slide into a special slip box. Priced at $60, the Deluxe Edition will have printed end sheets and pages with special deckled edges.

In addition, the company announced that due to the expected high demand for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in libraries across the nation, Scholastic will also release a special reinforced-binding library edition ensuring that the books will endure multiple readings.

To meet the unprecedented demand, Scholastic will be using 3 to 5 different printers with multiple plants to manufacture Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, textbooks, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including: proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's www.scholastic.com Internet site.

Contacts:
Scholastic Inc.
Judy Corman
212-343-6833