NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic,
the global children's publishing, education, and media company, has
acquired actor and activist Alyssa
Milano's debut children's book series. Hope, to be
illustrated by Eric S. Keyes and
published on October 1, 2019, is an
empowering fiction series centered on a spunky eleven-year-old girl
named Hope who seeks to create social change in her community.
Scholastic Audio will release the audiobook narrated by
Alyssa Milano simultaneously with
the hardcover edition. Creative Artists Agency represented Milano
in the deal for World English rights. Translation rights are
available through CAA.
"As a mother, I can't think of a more important time to let kids
know that their voice matters. I'm so excited about my new
character, Hope Roberts. She
believes in dreaming big. She's brave and strong and confident in
her abilities—but she's also a girl just trying to survive middle
school. I'm thrilled to be working with Scholastic on this
empowering book series and can't wait for everyone to meet Hope,"
said Alyssa Milano.
"I've been a huge fan of Alyssa
Milano's for years and I was so excited from the very moment
she shared her idea and vision for HOPE—a series centered around a
smart and passionate character who is ready to conquer the world,"
said Debra Dorfman, Vice President
and Publisher, Global Licensing, Brands and Media, Scholastic.
"Alyssa is such positive role model and I admire how she uses her
voice and her platform to help those in need around the world,
especially children. We at Scholastic are thrilled to share her
inspiring and hopeful message to kids everywhere."
About Hope
Meet Hope
Roberts. She's eleven years old, and she wants to be an
astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books,
and her two rescue dogs. Hope believes it's always a good day to
champion a cause, defend an underdog, and save the future. And most
of all, she believes in dreaming big. She's smart, fearless, and
confident in her abilities. But though Hope seems super strong on
the outside, there's another side of her, too. She's just a regular
girl trying to survive middle school. Relatable and wholly
inspirational as well as aspirational, Hope's can-do attitude will
inspire a generation of do-gooders.
About Alyssa
Milano
Actress and activist Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life
in the public eye. A famous child actor, she has continued to work
throughout her adulthood in both television and film, most notably
starring in the wildly popular television series "Who's the Boss"
and "Charmed." Alyssa is also a lifelong activist and is passionate
about fighting for human rights around the world. In 2003, UNICEF
invited Alyssa to become a National Ambassador in recognition of
her charitable work on behalf of children. Ever since then, Alyssa
has been a champion of children's rights, working closely with
UNICEF to raise money and awareness and provide aid to the children
who need it most all over the world. Alyssa also speaks to kids in
schools around the country about the importance of voting and
teaches them how to fill out a ballot because she believes it's
never too early to be civic-minded. Most recently, Alyssa is known
for popularizing the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter, sparking the
massive viral movement. She was named one of the 2017 Persons of
the Year in Time magazine alongside other prestigious
activists. She lives in Los
Angeles with her husband and two kids.
Illustrator Bio
Eric S.
Keyes is currently an animator and character designer on
The Simpsons, joining the show in its first season. He
has worked on many other shows throughout the years, including
King of the Hill, The Critic, and Futurama. He was
also a designer and art director on Disney's
Recess. This is his first time illustrating a
children's book. Eric lives in Los
Angeles with his wife and son.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation
(NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of
children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum
and professional services, and a producer of educational and
entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books
and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K
to grade 12, classroom magazines and other products and services
that support children's learning both in school and at home. With
operations in 14 international offices and exports to 165
countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to
all children around the world through school-based book clubs and
book fairs, classroom collections, school and public libraries,
retail and online. True to its mission of 98 years to encourage the
personal and intellectual growth of all children beginning with
literacy, the Company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner
to educators and families. Learn more
at www.scholastic.com.
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SOURCE Scholastic