Scholastic Launches Ultimate Children’s Book Search Tool, Teacher Book Wizard™

New Free Web Site Helps Teachers and Parents Match the Right Book to the Right Child Based on Four Different Reading Level Systems, Interests and Previously Enjoyed Books

New York, NY (January 30, 2008) -- E-Scholastic, the online division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, announces the launch of Teacher Book Wizard™ (www.scholastic.com/bookwizard). The new Web site enables teachers, librarians and even parents to search a database of over 50,000 books to find just the right match for every child, according to reading level, interest, subject and genre. Teachers and librarians can also download free lesson plans related to specific books and purchase many titles at teacher discounted prices through Scholastic.com’s Teacher Store.

The unique BookAlike™ feature helps educators find book recommendations based on a title that their students’ already know and enjoy. They can also search for titles that are at, above or below the original book’s reading level.
Teacher Book Wizard offers other tools, including:

  • Choice of Reading Level Systems: Choose among the four most common Reading Level Systems: Grade Level Equivalent, Lexile Framework, Guided Reading, and DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment).
  • Leveled Search: Search for books by reading level, type, and genre to find titles perfect for all students’ needs and interests.
  • My Book Lists: Create and save children’s book lists to print, email, and share with students, parents, teachers or librarians. Lists are easily customizable for classes or for individual students.
  • List Exchange: Join the online community to share book lists and to see book lists from authors, experts and teachers that can be saved, used and modified.
  • Quick Search: Search by title, author or keyword to find book-specific teaching resources and books by topic.
  • Classroom Library Evaluation: Build a better classroom library with the online Scholastic Classroom Books Evaluation Protocol. This research-based tool assesses current classroom libraries to ensure they include the right books— and right mix of books— for students.

Parents can take advantage of the same tools that teachers use to find appropriate and interesting books for their children, as well as share book lists with teachers and other parents.

“We know that teachers look for books in ways that are specific to their instruction and to their students, and that parents want help making the home-school connection,” said David Goddy, Vice President, Education at e-Scholastic. “With the guidance of more than 150 teachers and administrators, we designed Teacher Book Wizard to make the job of matching the right book to the right child quick, easy and fun.”

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, www.scholastic.com.

Contacts:
Scholastic
Jennifer Boggs
212-343-6619
jboggs@scholastic.com

Scholastic
Sarah Trabucchi
212-343-6424
strabucchi@scholastic.com