In addition to its business leadership, Scholastic was recognized for its global literacy campaign, "Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life." The campaign's social networking site, "You Are What You Read", celebrates the "great reads of our lives." This worldwide online book community lets readers connect by sharing the five books that most influenced their life, involving publishers the world over in the site, not just Scholastic. Nearly 200 noted celebrities, authors, business leaders and academics, including Bill Gates, Daniel Radcliffe, Oprah Winfrey, and even two former U.S. presidents have contributed their "great reads" to the site.
Scholastic also commissioned a literacy study, "The 2010 Kids & Family Reading Report," examining kids' reading behaviors in the digital world in which they're growing up.
Accepting the award on behalf of Scholastic, among a number of Scholastic executives in attendance at the reception, was Richard Robinson, Chairman, President and CEO of Scholastic Inc.
"Scholastic is honored to be chosen Publishing Innovator of the Year, especially because the staff and the advisory board of Book Business recognized us not only for our business innovations, but also for our global literacy campaign, 'Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life,'" says Robinson. "The message of our campaign is that, in this technology-driven age, the ability to read well, analyze and interpret texts, and draw information and inspiration from books and literature has never been more important not only to succeed, but to survive in the 21st Century. We thank Book Business for this important honor." BB