#United States #New York #Children's Books #Scholastic Publishing #Sasha Quinton

Scholastic's New Direction in Children's Publishing

In an exciting development for the world of children's literature, Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), a leader in children's publishing and educational media, has announced a significant restructuring within its organization. This change will establish a new Children's Book Group that merges its three key divisions: Trade Publishing, Book Fairs, and Book Clubs. Effective June 1, 2025, this initiative aims to optimize their publishing efforts and broaden their reach across various channels, ensuring that their valuable content is accessible to more children than ever before.

The announcement was made by Scholastic's President and CEO, Peter Warwick, who emphasized the importance of a seamless approach across different mediums. Warwick stated, "Scholastic's ability to work seamlessly across media, publishing, and distribution has never been more important to maximizing the value of our IP and ensuring that the work of our authors and illustrators connects to readers. This is an exciting period for the company as we embark on this new phase of our content strategy."

Leadership Changes

Leading the new Children's Book Group is Sasha Quinton, who currently serves as President of School Reading Events. Known for her impressive track record of profitability and innovative marketing strategies, Quinton is well-prepared to spearhead this new chapter for Scholastic. She has been instrumental in achieving record revenues for Book Clubs and Book Fairs by focusing on what children want to read, a principle she will carry over into her new role.

Quinton expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, "I am excited and honored to lead Scholastic's talented children's book publishing and distribution teams. Each group is dedicated to engaging every child and understanding their reading preferences. This collaborative structure unlocks our potential to meet kids where they are, whether it's through bookstores, school fairs, or at home on their screens."

Joining Quinton is Jackie De Leo, who has been appointed as Publisher and Chief Merchant of the Children's Book Group. With over 25 years of experience in the publishing and bookselling sectors, including significant roles at Barnes & Noble, Disney Book Group, and Readerlink, De Leo brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. She will be focusing on maintaining Scholastic's esteemed reputation for high-quality books while seeking opportunities for growth and outreach in all intellectual properties (IP).

The Vision Ahead

Under this new umbrella, Scholastic aims to reinforce its status as a frontrunner in the children's publishing arena. The company has always been committed to fostering a love of reading among children and will continue to leverage its extensive catalog of beloved stories and characters. Through this strategic integration, Scholastic hopes not only to preserve its iconic backlist but also to create new stories that resonate with today's youth.

Warwick anticipates that this new structure will allow for a more cohesive approach across all publishing channels. The goal is to streamline operations, enhance collaboration between editorial and merchandising teams, and ultimately connect more children with the stories and learning materials they seek.

As this transition unfolds, Scholastic will share more details about the scope of these changes and their anticipated impact on the industry. The company plans to provide further updates during the reporting of their fiscal 2025 results and the outlook for 2026 in July.

A Legacy of Literacy

For over a century, Scholastic has been synonymous with children's literature, delivering engaging content that resonates with young readers everywhere. The company’s longstanding mission to meet children at school, home, and in their communities has only deepened its commitment to literacy. By combining a wealth of stories with educational resources, Scholastic plays a crucial role in shaping children’s intellectual and personal growth.

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, Scholastic operates across more than 135 countries, ensuring that its stories, characters, and educational tools are available to children and families around the globe. This new children's book group promises to carry that legacy forward, enriching the lives of future generations with the joys of reading and storytelling.

In conclusion, Scholastic's strategic integration into a cohesive Children's Book Group marks a pivotal point in its ongoing journey. By leveraging the strengths of its various arms, Scholastic is poised to enhance its impact in the literary world and continue promoting a love of reading among children everywhere.