Scholastic Reads
157 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 49 ratingsA podcast about the joy and power of reading, exploring topics that matter to parents, educators, and the reader in all of us
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Episodes
The Baby-Sitters Club Debuts on Netflix
July 13, 2020 13:53“It all started at the very beginning of seventh grade.” Sound familiar? To millions of Baby-Sitters Club fans, Kristy Thomas, Claudia Kishi, Mary Anne Spier, Stacey McGill, and Dawn Schafer are favorite childhood friends. In this episode, the breakout stars of the new Netflix TV show—Sophie Grace (Kristy), Momona Tamada (Claudia), Malia Baker (Mary Anne), Shay Rudolph (Stacey), and Xochitl Gomez (Dawn)—answer questions from our Scholastic Kid Reporters. We also spotlight author Ann M. Ma...
Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges on the Struggle for Racial Justice
June 24, 2020 17:22On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges integrated the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in her New Orleans neighborhood. She was six years old. Ruby’s courageous journey helped pave the way for Black and brown students across the United States to gain access to educational opportunities that had long been denied to them. Sixty years later, “Black Lives Matter” has become a rallying cry for an end to the systemic racism that continues to harm African Americans nationwide. Ruby is sti...
Celebrating Pride Month With Debut Novelist Leah Johnson
June 18, 2020 13:54Change is in the air, and we're delighted to bring a fresh new voice to the podcast. Debut author Leah Johnson is here to talk about You Should See Me in a Crown, her joyful, hilarious young adult novel about the irrepressible Liz Lighty. As a queer, Black teen in a prom-obsessed Midwestern town, Liz thinks that it’s impossible to fit in. But when she meets the new girl at school—who also is her competition for prom queen—everything changes. In this episode, Leah talks with host Suzanne M...
Helping Kids and Parents Cope With Covid-19 Anxiety
May 06, 2020 21:10During the pandemic, many of us have experienced feelings of fear, anxiety, and loss. These feelings extend to children, too, who are learning new lessons at home and wondering what the future holds. They may be worried about family members and their own safety while trying to keep up with schoolwork, which is looking very different these days. What can parents and educators do to help kids cope with uncertainty and continue to learn and thrive? In this episode, host Suzanne McCabe talks w...
Listening to Kid Reporters: Life During the Pandemic
April 16, 2020 17:53In this episode, host Suzanne McCabe, who is the editor of Scholastic Kids Press, talks with five Kid Reporters about life during the coronavirus pandemic. She asks young journalists in Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and the Philippines how they are coping with the global health crisis and what “the new normal” means to them. Scholastic Kids Press, which was founded in 2000, is an award-winning program of journalists between the ages of 10 and 14 who write "news for kids, by ki...
Furious Thing: YA Author Jenny Downham on the Power of Gaslighting
March 05, 2020 17:19In her latest novel, Furious Thing, Jenny Downham discusses the insidious nature of gaslighting, the power of one 15-year-old girl’s anger, and the risk of speaking up about those feelings. Downham is also the author of Unbecoming, You Against Me, and Before I Die, which was made into a 2012 movie, Now Is Good, starring Dakota Fanning. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Produced and edited by Bridget Benjamin Associate produced by Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sound mix and re...
The Librarian of Congress: Why Representation Matters
February 12, 2020 14:55In this episode, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden talks with host Suzanne McCabe about the importance of representation for young readers. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and first African American to serve as head of the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library. She also discusses the Library’s Rosa Parks exhibition, which sheds new light on the civil rights icon’s story and offers an intimate portrait rarely seen in history books. Additional Resources: Rosa Parks: In Her Own...
The Power of World Read Aloud Day
January 23, 2020 16:39World Read Aloud Day is an annual celebration that encourages kids, parents, and educators everywhere to grab a book, find an audience, and read aloud. On today’s episode, we talk with two literacy specialists, Pam Allyn and Lester Laminack, about the many benefits of reading aloud. Plus, you’ll hear great read-alouds from some of our favorite authors, including Dav Pilkey, Carmen Agra Deedy, and Peter Reynolds. Don’t forget to read aloud on February 5! Learn more about World Read Aloud D...
Scholastic Employees Share Their Holiday Traditions
December 23, 2019 18:37Happy holidays from all of us in the Scholastic Family! On this episode, we asked our employees to share their fondest holiday memories. You'll hear about Christmas read-alouds, a Chanukah grab bag, and even a fashion show on Eid al-Fitr. Guests: Kevin Kirschner: Nephew of host Suzanne McCabe Mark Seidenfeld: Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Talia Seidenfeld: Assistant Editor Patti Vaughan: Convention Manager, Corporate Conventions Raisa Masood: Internal Communications Coord...
Expanding an Existing World
December 12, 2019 17:32Acclaimed author Maggie Stiefvater describes Call Down the Hawk, the first book in a brand-new trilogy, as a “big, strange, weird novel” full of all of the things she likes in both novels and life. This includes art, magic, music, and mythology. Call Down the Hawk follows Ronan Lynch, a character who can take things out of his dreams and bring them into real life, and Jordan Hennessy, an artist, a thief, and maybe something else. If you’re a fan of young-adult literature, you’re probably ...
Alyssa Milano on Hope and Middle School
December 03, 2019 21:28You may remember Alyssa from her hilarious role on Who’s the Boss? In addition to being an actress, Alyssa is also an activist, and now a children’s book author. She recently wrote Hope: Project Middle School. On this episode, she joins us to discuss her new novel and the power of hope. We’re also joined by Scholastic Kid Reporter Alula Alderson who recently interviewed Alyssa on her book tour in Los Angeles. Alula talks about what Hope: Project Middle School means to her as a middle-school...
Classroom Libraries: Finding a Book for Every Student
November 22, 2019 21:13Access to books, whether in or outside of the home, is not a reality for many children. According to the latest Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, classroom libraries are only available for 43 percent of school-age children. And only one-third of kids say that they have access to a classroom library with enough of the types of books they’d like to read. On this episode, we’re talking with two educators who are working to bridge this gap. Guests: David C. Banks: David is the pr...
Spooky stories for Halloween
October 24, 2019 18:55What’s that creaking sound down the hall? Did you feel a sudden chill in the air? And where is that haunting piano music coming from? It’s Halloween-time! And we’re sure you’re getting into the spirit—scary noises and all. To celebrate this spooky season, we’re talking with four authors who specialize in writing scary stories for kids! On this episode, you’ll hear from Victoria Schwab, Max Brallier, India Hill Brown, and R. L. Stine. We asked them what it is about spine-chilling books ...
In Their Own Words: Sharon Robinson and Da Chen
October 11, 2019 21:14This week, we’re talking about the power of telling your own story. You’ll hear from two incredible authors. First is Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Sharon is the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction, including many widely praised nonfiction books about her father’s life. This year, she’s telling her OWN story in Child of the Dream — a memoir about one of the most important years in the Civil Rights Movement, 1963, when Sharon was just 13. ...
It Takes Guts: Raina Telgemeier and Eli Lebowitz
September 23, 2019 16:30It takes guts to face your fears. Bestselling creator Raina Telgemeier is encouraging young readers to do just that with her latest graphic novel memoir, Guts, which shares the stories of Raina's own experiences with anxiety as a child. This week, Raina joins us in the studio to talk about Guts. We also talk with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, who studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety and is Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. Additional resource...
Dav Pilkey talks Dog Man and "Do Good"
August 26, 2019 22:11This week, we're talking with Dav Pilkey, creator of the worldwide bestselling Dog Man series! Dav discusses his latest book, Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls, and his Dog Man "Do Good" tour that's taking him around the world this fall. Dav shares stories from his own childhood growing up with ADHD and dyslexia and talks about the importance of creativity, why reading is a superpower, and the importance of not just being good, but doing good. Plus, you'll also hear from young readers thems...
The Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza
August 01, 2019 21:00Summer reading this year is all about kids' empowerment with the Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza, our nationwide movement to unite kids, parents, educators, public librarians, community partners, and booksellers in efforts to get books into the hands of more kids during the summer and keep every child reading. This week, you'll hear from some kids first-hand about what they love about summer reading. We also talk about how Scholastic is getting 200,000 books into the hands of kids who ne...
Growing Readers with Branches and Acorn
July 18, 2019 22:10Before executive editor Katie Carella came to Scholastic, she taught first, second, and third grades, and she noticed a hole in her classroom library: There weren't enough books for the readers who were ready to move beyond leveled readers, but who weren't quite ready for chapter books. And so, she created Branches — and now Acorn — highly illustrated, easy-to-read books with engaging storylines and characters that will help kids fall in love with reading. In this episode, you'll hear mo...
Read with Pride
June 21, 2019 13:41It's Pride Month! We love to celebrate our LGBTQIA authors all year long, but we wanted to take the opportunity now to shine a spotlight on what it means to create and share stories about those who are marginalized and underrepresented. Today, you’ll hear from Mason Deaver, Kacen Callender, and Bill Konigsberg. Each will introduce their latest novels, talk about their creative process, and discuss what it means to write books that are giving some young readers the chance to see themselves ...
The Decline by Nine
May 28, 2019 22:08In our biennial Kids & Family Reading Report, we came across some findings that were a bit, well, concerning: At nine years old — usually when a child is in third grade — kids across the board report a significantly reduced interest in reading. Here are some of the stats: 57% of 8-year-olds said they read books for fun 5 to 7 days a week. But by age 9, that drops to a mere 35%. 40% of 8-year-olds say they love to read. By age 9, only 28% say that. We find similar decreases in the number...
How to Share Your Story: Ally Carter and Raina Telgemeier
May 02, 2019 20:42Aspiring writers and illustrators, this episode is for you! Maybe you keep a running list on your Notes app of book ideas, possible titles, and first lines. Maybe you have a sketchbook in the bottom of your drawer. But where do you go from there? Ally Carter and Raina Telgemeier are here with answers. They’ll talk about their new books, Dear Ally, How Do I Write A Book? and Share Your Smile, which aim to help creators transfer their ideas to the page. Additional Resources: Learn more abou...
Finding Their Story
April 17, 2019 20:12Scholastic surveys thousands of kids and their families across the U.S. biennially for our Kids & Family Reading Report, gaining special insight into the latest trends in children's reading habits. The second of three installments, Finding Their Story, focuses on what kids want in books and characters, the rising demand for diversity in children's books, and the importance of access to books. This week, you'll hear from four of our in-house experts — as well as some kids themselves! — abou...
Spreading Hope with Keith Calabrese
March 21, 2019 20:28This week, we're talking with author Keith Calabrese about his middle grade debut. His new book, A Drop of Hope, is set in a small Midwestern town, where times are tough, jobs are scarce, and miracles are in short supply. Keith joins us today to talk about his path to becoming an author and what he hopes his 8- to 12-year-old readers will take away from this heartwarming story about Ernest, Ryan, and Lizzie, and their efforts to help their divided town choose empathy and kindness over ange...
Aida Salazar on Agency in Adolescence
March 07, 2019 21:20We're kicking off Women's History Month with debut novelist Aida Salazar and her stunning book for 8- to 12-year-olds, The Moon Within. The novel is a modern day Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret set in Oakland, California, and steeped in the culture and traditions of the Mexica, indigenous people of Mexico. The story introduces us to Celi Rivera. Like every 11-year-old, she has questions. Questions about her changing body, her first crush, and her best friend’s exploration of gender ...
Scholastic Focus: Change the Way You Read Your World
February 21, 2019 23:44This week, we're discussing narrative nonfiction and its power to help turn young readers into critical thinkers and global citizens. Last year, we launched the Scholastic Focus imprint, dedicated to presenting young readers with true and moving stories to help them better understand themselves and the world around them. Today, we're talking with editorial director Lisa Sandell as well as four Scholastic Focus authors: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Deborah Hopkinson, Robert Edsel, and Lawrenc...
The Rise of Read-Aloud
February 01, 2019 22:02Scholastic surveys thousands of kids and their families across the U.S. biennially for our Kids & Family Reading Report, gaining special insight into the latest trends in children’s reading habits. The first of three installments, The Rise of Read-Aloud, focuses exclusively on the practice of, you guessed it, reading aloud. We wanted to know: When do parents start reading aloud to their children? How often are they reading? What are they reading? And how do kids feel about it all? This wee...
Aaron Blabey on Bad Guys and Good Friends
December 21, 2018 16:49Bestselling author Aaron Blabey stopped by our New York offices earlier this year while on his book tour The Bad Guys: Mission to America, and we're so excited to share our conversation with you. Aaron talks about his latest Bad Guys book, The Bad Guys in Superbad, the Bad Guys movie that's currently in development with DreamWorks, and shares some insight into his creative process. He also treats us to not one, but two amazing read-alouds! Additional resources: Learn more about The Bad Gu...
Chasing the High of a Scholastic Book Fair
December 06, 2018 19:58"I've spent my whole adult life chasing the high of a Scholastic Book Fair." - @merman_melville "U kno when u get a whiff of something and ur like ah yes this smells exactly like the scholastic book fair of 2008 in the afternoon on octob—" - @ilovedogs123 "[wedding] 'and now the groom will read his vows' me: you make every day feel like a scholastic book fair" - @elleryonline We've seen viral post after viral post about how much people love — and love reminiscing about — the Scholastic B...
Game Changer: Book Access for All Kids
November 15, 2018 22:15There are many ways to create a book desert — an area where a child has little or no access to books. Maybe a school's budget cuts lead to closure of the library. Maybe a neighborhood bookstore closes. Maybe the closest public library is too far away to reach by public transportation. Whatever the cause, the problem is clear: Too many children in the U.S. lack access to books. This week, we're talking with literacy advocates Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp about how crucial access is. It's...
Words into Action
November 09, 2018 20:55Students across the U.S. have shown the power and importance of news articles in the classroom. Moved by the resilience of their peers and a desire to help, kids—supported by their teachers—have developed student-led activism initiatives to raise awareness and funding for the causes they’ve read about in Scholastic Classroom Magazines such as Storyworks® for grades 4–6 and Scholastic Scope® for grades 6–8. This week, we're talking with Lauren Tarshis, editor-in-chief and publisher of Schol...
Becoming an Ally: A Conversation with Alex Gino
October 18, 2018 17:58This week, we're talking with Alex Gino about what it means to be an ally. Alex is the author of the award-winning book George, about a transgender girl who wants the world to see her the way she sees herself. We talk with them about the importance of that message, as well as the messages readers will find in their latest book, You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!, about a girl who learns to be an ally, a sister, and a friend, understanding that life works in different ways for different p...
Hey, Kiddo: A Conversation about Family, Addiction, and Art
October 04, 2018 20:52This week, we're talking with Jarrett J. Krosoczka about his graphic novel memoir for young adults, Hey, Kiddo. The memoir, which has been longlisted for the National Book Award, follows Jarrett's childhood: His mother was a heroin addict who was in and out of rehab, so he was raised by his grandparents — loud, opinionated, but loving people who struggled with their own demons. In the midst of it all, he found art. We also hear from Kim Tranell, executive editor, Scholastic Classroom Ma...
20 Years of Magic Part 3: The Making of Harry Potter
September 20, 2018 22:35From editorial and art direction to publicity, marketing, sales, and legal — publishing the Harry Potter series involved a dedicated team across all divisions at Scholastic. In the third and final installment of our special Harry Potter series, we're talking with some of the people who have helped bring the books to life over the last twenty years. Our guests include: Arthur A. Levine, publisher of Arthur A. Levine books and the American editor of the Harry Potter series David Saylor, cr...
20 Years of Magic Part 2: The Artists of Harry Potter
September 13, 2018 21:37In part two of our special Harry Potter series, we're talking with some of the illustrators who have brought Harry to life over the last 20 years, including: Mary GrandPré, the illustrator of the original U.S. editions of the Harry Potter series; Brian Selznick, the illustrator of the 20th anniversary edition covers; and Jim Kay, the artist behind the fully illustrated editions. Each artist will talk about what it was like to join the Harry Potter universe and bring to life their vision of...
20 Years of Magic Part 1: The Harry Potter Fandom
September 06, 2018 13:29In September 1998, Scholastic published Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, introducing U.S. readers to the orphaned boy living in a cupbord under the stairs. Since then, the Harry Potter series has become a global phenomenon, selling more than 500 million copies, translated into more than 80 languages, and adapted into eight blockbuster films. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, we're hosting a series of special episodes. Over the next few weeks, we'll talk with some of the extraordina...
Yes, David!: A Conversation with David Shannon
August 23, 2018 19:59David Shannon is the creator of more than 30 picture books including A Bad Case of Stripes and the beloved David books: No, David!, David Gets in Trouble, David Goes to School, and It's Christmas, David. This week, he joins us in conversation about his latest book, Grow Up, David! (available in both English and Spanish) Coming 20 years after the first publication of the Caldecott Honor book No, David!, Grow Up, David! introduces David's big brother and follows our trouble-making hero from ...
Jeff Smith: The Bone Cousins' First Picture Book
July 26, 2018 12:34Jeff Smith broke ground with the graphic novelization of his long-running comic, BONE. Now, he's introducing the beloved cousins from Boneville to a younger audience with his first picture book, Smiley's Dream Book. This week, we sit down with Jeff to talk about writing a picture book, the cartoonists who inspire him, and why he'll never say you shouldn't doodle on your math homework. Additional resources: Learn more about Smiley's Dream Book Learn more about Graphix, Scholastic's grap...
Cornelia Funke returns to Dragon Rider
July 13, 2018 00:25This week, we’re talking with award-winning author Cornelia Funke, author of beloved books like the Inkheart series, The Thief Lord, and Dragon Rider. After many years, Cornelia is returning to the Dragon Rider world with the long-anticipated sequel, The Griffin’s Feather, out July 31. We’re also joined in the studio by Cornelia’s editor, Barry Cunningham. Barry is the founder and publisher of Chicken House, and the acquiring editor of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK. He...
Journeys to America: Sharing Stories of Survival and Hope
June 28, 2018 21:12 - 43.2 MBWe are a nation of immigrants. And they have stories to tell. Today, we invite you to listen to stories from authors and illustrators who are creating work that shares the immigrant experience and what it means to leave your home in search of a better life. Featured authors: Kelly Yang, author of Front Desk Edwidge Danticat, author of Untwine Alan Gratz, author of Refugee Sayantani DasGupta, author of The Serpent's Secret Rashin Kheiriyeh, author of Saffron Ice Cream Carmen Agra Dee...
Away From Keyboard: Taking Gaming Offline
June 21, 2018 18:20 - 17 MBAs video games continue to captivate kids around the world, Scholastic AFK—or "Away From Keyboard"—books aim to harness that gaming passion, and convert it into a literacy tool. To learn more about this initiative, we sat down with Michael Petranek, an executive editor at Scholastic, and Matthew J. Kirby, the author of the Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants series. They tell us about what they love about gaming as well as some of the many benefits these books provide to growing readers: th...
Reading with Pride: The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation in Children's Books
June 07, 2018 18:42 - 26.3 MBSeveral months ago, we asked authors of different cultures, races, abilities, genders and orientations to tell us about the first time they saw themselves in the pages of a book. (You can listen to that episode here.) We expected the answer. We knew it was coming. But still, it tore at us: Over and over, these authors said, "I didn't. I didn't see myself." At Scholastic, we are proud to publish books that give all children the chance to see themselves as heroes. But we know that we still h...
The Summer Reading Difference
May 31, 2018 20:39 - 32.3 MBResearch shows that when children and their families have the resources they need to read throughout the summer, fewer students experience a loss of skills while school is out. This week, we're talking with two experts about ways they work to keep books in the hands of their students all summer long, and the incredible results they've seen as a result of their focus on summer reading. First, we talk with Jennifer Boren, a library media specialist in Collierville, Tennessee. Jennifer talks ...
The Maker Movement
May 10, 2018 21:35 - 40.8 MBThis week, we're taking a look at the maker movement. What does a makerspace look like? Why are libraries considered the perfect place to host a makerspace? And what does being a maker mean, anyway? First, we talk with Kristina Holzweiss, a media specialist at Bay Shore Middle School in New York who is spearheading the maker movement across Long Island. Later, we sit down with two Scholastic employees who have helped create the Klutz Maker Lab line of products, which include DIY gumball mac...
Varian Johnson and The Parker Inheritance
April 26, 2018 21:31This week, we're talking with Varian Johnson, author of the new middle grade book The Parker Inheritance. Varian talks about his inspiration for the book, the research it took to dig back into his own hometown’s past, and about social justice — how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. About The Parker Inheritance: The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It's waiting for Candice Miller. When Candice finds the letter, she is...
Meet the 2017-2018 Kids Press
April 12, 2018 18:42 - 28.5 MBThis week, we introduce you to some of the incredible members of Scholastic News Kids Press Corps! Each year, 10- to 14-year-olds from around the world are selected to participate in this award-winning program. These young journalists report news for kids, by kids, covering breaking stories, sports events, entertainment, and more from their hometowns and on the global stage. Since the application process is now open for next year, we asked some of our reporters to tell us about their favor...
Martin Rising
March 29, 2018 21:02April 4, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., and to honor his life and legacy, we're sitting down with Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, the author and illustrator behind Martin Rising: Requiem for a King Andrea and Brian share how they were inspired to create the book, which is a combination of poetry and colorful artwork; how they work together as husband and wife creators; how their own lives were impacted by King's work; and the message...
Reading Role Models
March 22, 2018 20:27 - 44.8 MBDid a beloved teacher ever read aloud to your class when you were a kid? Did a friend or relative ever hand you a book that became a lifelong favorite? That's what we're talking about today—the magic of reading role models, individuals who play a crucial role in helping kids succeed. First, we talk with Malcolm Mitchell, the author of the picture book The Magician's Hat, the founder of Read With Malcolm, AND a Super Bowl winning football player with the New England Patriots. Malcolm talks a...
Talking With Kids About School Violence and Trauma
March 08, 2018 18:38 - 46.9 MBFollowing the Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, the nation's attention has shifted to the issue of school safety. But how do we reassure children after traumatic events? Our guests this week offer advice for parents and educators on helping kids cope with fear and anxiety. First, we speak with Dr. Jamie Howard, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, who shares some of the unique ways that children experience and express trauma. We also talk wi...
Sayantani DasGupta and The Serpent's Secret
February 22, 2018 15:44This week, we're talking with Sayantani DasGupta, the author of the forthcoming middle grade fantasy novel The Serpent's Secret, in which sixth grader Kiranmala discovers she's a princess...and an interdemensional demon slayer! Sayantani talks with her 13-year-old daughter, Sunaya, who is a Scholastic News Kids Press Corps reporter, and tells us about her childhood ask a daughter of immigrants, as well as her love of storytelling, folktales, science, and Madeleine L'Engle. Don't miss an e...
Marley Dias Gets It Done...and Princess Truly, Too!
February 08, 2018 21:34 - 49.3 MBThis week, we're talking with creators who saw a void in the marketplace: books with black girls as the heroines. Marley Dias, a 13-year-old from New Jersey who has been hailed as someone who "could be president in 30 years" by InStyle, is the founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks hashtag andthe ensuing movement. We talk with her about her own book, Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You and Suzanne gets a little hosting help from Scholastic News Kid Reporter Titus Smith, III. Later on, we ...