Pigeons, Pigs and Half-Blood Princes: Kids Pick Their Must-Read Books for 2007

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- What do Harry Potter, a clever pigeon, dragon riders and "some pig" have in common? More than 2,800 young readers voted for these books as must-reads for 2007, in the Scholastic online poll "Kids' Pick For 2007." Don't Let the Pigeon Stay up Late! by Mo Willems, Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, and Eragon by Christopher Paolini were all winners picked by kids, for kids.

The Kids' Pick helps kick off Read For 2007: Read For Life, the eighth annual worldwide read-a-thon to get kids excited about reading, created by Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, together with Reading Is Fundamental, the oldest and largest children's literacy organization in the country. On Friday, December 8, 2006, millions of children will join together to read for 2,007 seconds (approximately 33-1/2 minutes) and to commit to reading throughout the new year. Governors' spouses across the country, as well as teachers and librarians around the world will hold reading events celebrating the joy of reading on this day and every day.

  The top three books in each age category are:

  Kindergarten - 1st Grade
    1. Don't Let the Pigeon Stay up Late! by Mo Willems
    2. Mommy? by Maurice Sendak
    3. Lilly's Big Day by Kevin Henkes

  2nd - 3rd Grade
    1. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
    2. Junie B. Jones: Aloha Ha-Ha by Barbara Park
    3. Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty
       People by Dav Pilkey

  4th - 6th Grade
    1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
    2. High School Musical Junior Novel by N.B. Grace
    3. Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo

  6th Grade and Up
    1. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
    2. Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
    3. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

"Read For 2007: Read For Life is a chance for kids -- and adults -- to read just for the pure pleasure of it," said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic. "When you let kids pick the books they want to read, you get engaged, entertained kids who don't want to stop reading!"

The "Kids' Pick For 2007" online poll is not based on a scientifically designed sample of the student population. The poll was designed as an educational activity to encourage student thought, and to give students an opportunity to express their opinions. The respondents are self-selected, based on teachers who want their classes to participate and students who want to participate individually.

About the "Scholastic Read For" Program

In 1999, Scholastic launched the " Read For" campaign to commemorate the millennium and to unite children in a global celebration of reading. "Read For" was quickly embraced by schools around the world and continues to bring reading and the joy of learning into homes and classrooms. Since its inception, the initiative has grown to unite millions of children, parents, and teachers in each of the 50 U.S. states and throughout 37 countries, connecting children across cultures and continents from Iowa to India. Each year in the U.S., Scholastic enlists the help of Gubernatorial First Spouses to serve as Ambassadors of Reading, leading statewide celebrations of reading in their communities. Visit http://www.scholastic.com/readfor2007 to learn more.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, 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 school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, http://www.scholastic.com/.

About Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at http://www.rif.org/.