Our History

Scholastic began when Maurice R. “Robbie” Robinson published the first Western Pennsylvania Scholastic from a sewing room in his parents’ Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania home. The four-page newsletter grew into a national biweekly publication and today, 30+ titles reach 11 million students. Scholastic’s global headquarters is in New York City, with U.S. offices in Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida and Missouri.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards began by honoring young writers in the company's original magazine and expanded in 1927 to include teen artists. Alumni include Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Andy Warhol, Ken Burns, and Zac Posen—creative icons who first gained recognition through this prestigious program.

Scholastic published a collection of student writing from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards called Saplings.

Scholastic partnered with Pocket Books to launch Teen Age Book Club (T.A.B.), offering affordable books for ages 13–18. Students ordered by tearing out forms from classroom magazines. Today, millions of students order from Scholastic Book Clubs.

Scholastic Canada was the company’s first international subsidiary. Today, Scholastic operates globally in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Scholastic established its Education division, marking a major expansion into instructional publishing. Focused on supporting teachers and improving student outcomes, the new business delivers research-based resources, classroom magazines, and professional learning tools that help schools foster literacy, engagement, and academic success.

Norman Bridwell introduced Clifford the Big Red Dog®, now one of the most recognizable and beloved children’s characters. Over 134 million books have been published in 19 languages and distributed globally. Clifford’s adventures have expanded to include two animated series, video games, mobile apps, and a major motion picture, captivating generations of young readers and viewers worldwide.

Scholastic introduced Scholastic Scope, a pioneering classroom magazine designed to engage middle and high school students with contemporary literature, current events, and thought‑provoking stories, fostering a love of reading and critical thinking.

Scholastic built its first national distribution center in Jefferson City, Missouri. A second warehouse followed in Neosho, Missouri, in 1998. Scholastic is one of the major employers in the region.

After 10 years with the company, initially starting as Assistant Editor of Literary Cavalcade and rising to the position of Publisher of the School Division, Richard Robinson was elected President of Scholastic. One year later, he was elected CEO.

To celebrate its golden anniversary, Scholastic published a commemorative anthology highlighting five decades of impactful storytelling, educational innovation, and service to young readers and educators. The collection honored the company’s legacy and enduring mission to advance literacy and learning for every child.

Scholastic launched its in-school book fairs with the purchase of a California fair. Today, Scholastic Book Fairs partners with schools nationwide to host over 100,000 events annually, providing 30 million students and families access to thousands of affordable books.

Kristy’s Great Idea launched Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-sitters Club, one of publishing’s most successful series, with over 176 million books in print. It inspired four spin-offs, 250 titles, two TV adaptations, a feature film, and countless real-life babysitting clubs. The Graphix graphic novel adaptation has introduced the series to a new generation, expanding access and amplifying its reach through visual storytelling.

The Magic School Bus series quickly became a classroom favorite. With over 90 million books in print, it expanded into award-winning TV shows, video games, and more. The series has earned top honors, including the NEA Foundation Award and Parent’s Choice Award, and continues to inspire curiosity and learning around the world.

Scholastic Professional Publishing began to support educators with trusted, research-based resources. Today, it offers expert-authored books, professional learning, and instructional tools that strengthen literacy and elevate teaching across K–12 classrooms—empowering educators and helping students thrive.

I SPY debuted, inviting kids everywhere to search, rhyme, and discover hidden wonders!

Scholastic introduced R.L. Stine’s spine-tingling Goosebumps, a global phenomenon that has captivated young readers with its signature mix of horror and humor. With over 400 million books in print, Goosebumps has also found success on screen, inspiring multiple TV series and feature films that brought its thrills to an even wider audience.

Scholastic introduced Storyworks, a classroom magazine crafted to ignite a love of reading in grades 4–6. Featuring high-interest stories, plays, nonfiction, and poetry, Storyworks blends literacy instruction with engaging content that builds comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills—making it a trusted resource for teachers nationwide.

Animorphs, a groundbreaking sci-fi series by K.A. Applegate captivates young readers with its gripping story of teens who morph into animals to fight a secret alien invasion. Blending action, emotion, and ethical dilemmas, the series becomes a cultural phenomenon and a gateway to reading for millions.

Scholastic acquired Weston Woods Studio, founded in 1953 by Morton Schindel, which adapts books into audio and video animation. Today, Weston Woods serves over 50,000 U.S. schools and libraries and distributes to more than 20 countries worldwide.

Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series blasted off with its first book, bringing hilarious adventures and mischievous pranks to millions of readers.

Scholastic published Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S., the first in J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series. Loved by fans around the world, the series has sold more than 500 million copies, been translated into over 80 different languages, and made into eight blockbuster films.

Scholastic Kids Press is an award-winning group of talented Kid Reporters, ages 10–14, who report and publish interviews from both their local neighborhoods and around the world.

Scholastic acquired Klutz, the innovative publisher known for its hands-on activity books that blend learning with creativity and humor. From juggling kits to craft guides, Klutz titles have inspired millions of kids to explore, build, and play.

Scholastic launched Graphix with the color edition of BONE #1 by Jeff Smith, creating a dedicated graphic novel imprint. Graphix titles have earned global acclaim, multiple major awards, and over 14 New York Times bestsellers.

Scholastic has championed research-based thought leadership through the Kids & Family Reading Report™, which explores how children and parents view reading for fun. Scholastic also published the Teacher & Principal School Report, based on surveys of 4,700+ educators on key issues facing U.S. schools.

Brian Selznick debuted The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a groundbreaking illustrated novel that blended cinematic visuals with rich storytelling. The book received widespread acclaim, won the Caldecott Medal, and inspired Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning film Hugo, redefining the possibilities of illustrated fiction for young readers.

The seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is released to global fanfare. Capping a decade of magical storytelling, the book becomes a cultural milestone—breaking sales records and inspiring a new generation of lifelong readers.

Scholastic launched The 39 Clues, a groundbreaking multi-platform series combining books, collectible cards, and online games. Blending adventure, mystery, and global history, the series invited readers to solve puzzles alongside the characters, redefining interactive storytelling and engaging millions of young readers worldwide.

Scholastic published The Hunger Games, the first in Suzanne Collins’ blockbuster series set in Panem. With over 100 million copies in print, the books have spent more than 260 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and inspired two prequel novels and five hit films, with a sixth movie on the way.

Who Would Win? by Jerry Pallotta launched, sparking curiosity and excitement with epic animal face-offs. Combining science, facts, and fun illustrations, the series helps young readers build nonfiction literacy skills while exploring the natural world through engaging comparisons and bold predictions.

Lauren Tarshis' I Survived series brought history to life through fast-paced, emotionally resonant stories. With millions of copies in print, it continues to spark curiosity and resilience in young readers.

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland soared onto shelves, igniting a dragon-fueled fantasy phenomenon. With rich world-building, epic adventure, and deeply relatable characters, the series has captivated millions of readers and expanded into graphic novels, merchandise, and a passionate global fanbase.

Scholastic launched Branches, a unique line of early chapter books created to help newly independent readers transition from leveled texts to longer fiction. With engaging stories, accessible formats, and series designed to grow with children, Branches empowers young readers to build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Scholastic published Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys, a laugh‑out‑loud illustrated series that turns a gang of ‘bad’ animals into unlikely heroes, quickly becoming a global bestseller and inspiring major motion pictures.

Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants, introduced Dog Man—a part-canine, part-cop hero—in a bestselling graphic novel series. With over 26 million copies in print and 35 foreign editions, Dog Man became a global hit and inspired a successful off-Broadway musical in 2019 and a film adaptation in 2025 from DreamWorks Animation.

Storyworks Jr. debuted to support grades 2–3 with engaging, age-appropriate texts and literacy tools. Featuring fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry, the magazine helps young readers build foundational skills in comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking—making reading both rigorous and fun.

Acorn introduced a line of early readers for children ages 4–7, featuring simple text, engaging illustrations, and lovable characters. Designed to build reading confidence and fluency, Acorn helps young readers take their first steps toward independent reading with stories that are fun, accessible, and developmentally appropriate.

Clifford and Emily Elizabeth returned in a rebooted animated series on Amazon and PBS Kids. A live-action feature film followed in 2020, alongside new book publishing—introducing the beloved Big Red Dog to a new generation of readers and viewers.

Raina Telgemeier’s Guts, published by Graphix, debuted as the #1 bestselling book in the U.S. across all categories. The milestone cemented Graphix’s status as a powerhouse in children’s publishing and underscored the growing influence of graphic novels in mainstream literary culture.

Scholastic acquired Make Believe Ideas, a UK-based publisher known for its playful, interactive books for young children, strengthening its global publishing portfolio and expanding offerings for early childhood literacy and creative development.

Scholastic marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of empowering young readers through books, magazines, and educational materials.

Peter Warwick was named President and CEO of Scholastic, bringing decades of publishing and educational experience to the role. That same year, Iole Lucchese was appointed Chair of the Board, continuing her strategic leadership in media, entertainment, and global publishing. Together, they ushered in a new chapter of innovation and growth for the company.

Scholastic and the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center launched the New Worlds Reading Initiative, a statewide program providing free books to eligible Florida students. Designed to boost literacy and inspire lifelong learning, it has reached over 485,000 families and delivered more than 11.5 million books and resources.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards celebrated 100 years of recognizing teen creativity.

SuperSTEM, a high-interest magazine for grades 3–6, was created to spark curiosity and strengthen STEM literacy. Featuring real-world science, vibrant visuals, and hands-on activities, it empowers students to explore big ideas in technology, engineering, and math—making complex concepts exciting, accessible, and relevant to their everyday lives.

Eva the Owlet, based on the bestselling Owl Diaries series from Scholastic’s Branches line, premiered as an animated series on Apple TV+. With its charming characters and positive messages, the show brings early chapter book favorites to life—encouraging young viewers to read, imagine, and explore their own creativity with confidence.

Goosebumps, inspired by R.L. Stine’s iconic book series, launched as a live-action series on Disney+. Blending horror, humor, and mystery, the show introduces a new generation to the thrills of the franchise.

Scholastic acquired 9 Story Media Group, a leading creator and producer of children’s content across television and digital platforms. The acquisition strengthens Scholastic’s position in global media, expanding its reach in storytelling through animation, live-action, and educational programming.

Scholastic expanded into manga publishing with Unico: Awakening, an eight-book series reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved character. Created in partnership with Tezuka Productions, the project marked a bold step into manga storytelling, blending classic charm with modern artistry for a new generation of readers.

Sunrise on the Reaping, the highly anticipated new installment in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games saga, revisits Panem 24 years before the original trilogy. The novel reignited global excitement, expanding the iconic dystopian universe for a new generation and shattered records with the biggest first-week sales of any Hunger Games title to date.

Scholastic Book Fairs introduced Discovery Fairs, interactive, school-based events that celebrate curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. Designed to deepen engagement with science, social studies, and literacy, these fairs empower students to explore real-world topics, showcase their thinking, and share discoveries with their communities.