Latest news with #Scholastic
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scholastic (SCHL) Q2 Earnings Report Preview: What To Look For
Educational publishing and media company Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL) will be reporting results this Thursday after market hours. Here's what to expect. Scholastic missed analysts' revenue expectations by 3.5% last quarter, reporting revenues of $335.4 million, up 3.6% year on year. It was a mixed quarter for the company, with a solid beat of analysts' EPS estimates but full-year EBITDA guidance missing analysts' expectations. Is Scholastic a buy or sell going into earnings? Read our full analysis here, it's free. This quarter, analysts are expecting Scholastic's revenue to grow 4.1% year on year to $494.6 million, a reversal from the 10.1% decrease it recorded in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $0.85 per share. Analysts covering the company have generally reconfirmed their estimates over the last 30 days, suggesting they anticipate the business to stay the course heading into earnings. Looking at Scholastic's peers in the consumer discretionary segment, some have already reported their Q2 results, giving us a hint as to what we can expect. Levi's delivered year-on-year revenue growth of 6.4%, beating analysts' expectations by 5.8%, and Nike reported a revenue decline of 12%, topping estimates by 3.4%. Levi's traded up 11.1% following the results while Nike was also up 15.2%. Read our full analysis of Levi's results here and Nike's results here. There has been positive sentiment among investors in the consumer discretionary segment, with share prices up 13.9% on average over the last month. Scholastic is up 2.3% during the same time and is heading into earnings with an average analyst price target of $35 (compared to the current share price of $21.83). When a company has more cash than it knows what to do with, buying back its own shares can make a lot of sense–as long as the price is right. Luckily, we've found one, a low-priced stock that is gushing free cash flow AND buying back shares. Click here to claim your Special Free Report on a fallen angel growth story that is already recovering from a setback. StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
Wall Street Journal
14-07-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Scholastic Became a Children's Publishing Giant. Now It Needs a Turnaround.
Scholastic SCHL -1.31%decrease; red down pointing triangle, known for 'Clifford the Big Red Dog,' 'The Baby-sitters Club,' 'Harry Potter' and 'The Hunger Games,' is trying to write its own comeback story. The iconic publisher's stock has fallen by more than 40% over the past year, and its cash pile is dwindling. One of its biggest businesses is mired in a yearslong slump.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Desperate to keep kids off screens? They won't be able to put these books down
It's a summer day and it's too hot to play outside. Your child is glued to a screen, content to spend their day with air-conditioning and digital media. Sound familiar? It's the time of year when many parents are waging a war against technology – while it's fun to have an inside lazy day now and then, these can add up quickly without school. And with fall on the horizon, the summer slide is a looming threat to school-aged children. This phenomenon happens when kids lose some of the learning they achieved in the past school year. While studies are mixed on the impact and prevalence of summer learning loss, literacy rates for children are now at an all-time low. Forty percent of fourth graders have 'below basic' reading skills. Treating summer reading like homework is a good way to deflate any joy in reading, which is already declining among students. Even among adults, the temptation to scroll often overtakes the desire to read. Here are five tips to try with your household this summer, plus reading suggestions for books that'll keep kids engaged. Kids take cues from their parents. If you show them how important and fun reading is in your life, they'll likely model that behavior. Parents can start by making reading a topic of conversation. Share what you're reading and let them tell you about their books. Make reading together a family challenge this summer, says Lauren Tarshis, author of bestselling kids' series 'I Survived' and Scholastic's senior VP and editor at large. ''We're all going to put down our phones from this time to this time and we're going to read,'' she suggests saying. ''Let's go to the library together. Here's an independent bookstore, let's go there. Let's make that an excursion.'' Reading tips for adults: Squeeze books into your busy life It's important to find a book that'll make your kid excited to pick up another, so look for one that taps into their hobbies or latest obsessions. Bookelicious, an online site for kids' reading, was founded by Lea Anne Borders to connect kids with books that match their unique interests. On Bookelicious, young readers design an avatar 'bookmoji' with costumes, pets and accessories. These customizations help Bookelicious match them with books they might enjoy: It can recommend one about sports for a kid who dresses their bookmoji in a jersey. 'Motivation and engagement are fueled by the access to high-interest, personally relevant books and ability to exercise some choice around those,' Borders says. 'We're trying to serve up those books that are really, really interesting and fun and exciting to kids and then help them make their own choices, because that means they're more likely to read their books.' Every kid is different. Audiobooks, graphic novels or even digital reading may be the best form of reading for your child. Audiobooks and e-reading are on the rise in schools and public libraries around the country, according to Steve Potash, the CEO of digital library distributor OverDrive. Here are the top e-books that kept kids engaged, according to Libby and OverDrive data shared with USA TODAY: 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan 'The Lost Hero' by Rick Riordan 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery 'Hot Mess' by Jeff Kinney 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott 'Unraveled' by Shannon Messenger 'The Last Olympian' by Rick Riordan 'Escaping Peril' by Tui T. Sutherland 'The Battle of the Labyrinth' by Rick Riordan 'The Deep End' by Jeff Kinney The top book series, based on minutes spent reading: 'Harry Potter' by J.K. Rowling 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' by Jeff Kinney 'Wings of Fire' by Tui T. Sutherland 'Heroes of Olympus' by Rick Riordan 'The Boxcar Children' by Gertrude Chandler Warner 'Trials of Apollo' by Rick Riordan 'Spy School' by Stuart Gibbs 'Ranger's Apprentice' by John Flanagan 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis Summer reading challenges, whether at your local library, online or homemade, can be a great way to keep reading exciting. Here are some we recommend: Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Challenge: Fill our journal, get a free book in July and August Books a Million Summer Reading Adventure: Fill out logbook, get a free Dog Man prize Scholastic Summer Reading Badges: Color in badges after completing reading goals Bookelicious Summer Reading Challenge Checklist: Complete 10 activities, receive $25 You can gamify summer reading on your own, too, like a reward of screen time for every finished book or number of pages, a new book at the bookstore or a trip to a local ice cream shop. Not every kid loves reading, and that's OK, says Tarshis. The author of dozens of children's books, Tarshis started writing 'I Survived' because she couldn't get her son to read. Tarshis had her own 'significant' challenges reading as a kid. Learning disabilities can also pose a challenge. There are more ways to get kids reading this summer than just handing them a book. Even magazine reading or online research is a good way to get kids using their brains. Going to an amusement park this summer? Tarshis suggests assigning them to read reviews: "What are the three best roller coasters? What do we have to bring?' she offers. 'Do not use ChatGPT; I'll know if you did.' Going on a trip? Have your kid learn about the local wildlife or historical sites. Do you have a movie-buff family? Read up on the Vikings when you watch 'How to Train Your Dragon' or aliens before seeing 'Elio.' If your family is brave enough for a 'Jaws' 50th anniversary rewatch, have your kids read about sharks. Reading may be a solitary activity, but it's best when done in community. Join a silent book club, start a parent-child book club with neighbors or move your playdate to the library on a rainy day. Reading together can help build excitement, gather new recommendations and help your family feel part of something bigger. What is the 'best' children's book?: Kids, parents, authors on what makes a classic Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avoid the 'summer slide': Get your kid to read with these tips
USA Today
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Desperate to keep kids off screens? They won't be able to put these books down
It's a summer day and it's too hot to play outside. Your child is glued to a screen, content to spend their day with air-conditioning and digital media. Sound familiar? It's the time of year when many parents are waging a war against technology – while it's fun to have an inside lazy day now and then, these can add up quickly without school. And with fall on the horizon, the summer slide is a looming threat to school-aged children. This phenomenon happens when kids lose some of the learning they achieved in the past school year. While studies are mixed on the impact and prevalence of summer learning loss, literacy rates for children are now at an all-time low. Forty percent of fourth graders have 'below basic' reading skills. How to get your kids to read this summer Treating summer reading like homework is a good way to deflate any joy in reading, which is already declining among students. Even among adults, the temptation to scroll often overtakes the desire to read. Here are five tips to try with your household this summer, plus reading suggestions for books that'll keep kids engaged. 1. Make it a family activity Kids take cues from their parents. If you show them how important and fun reading is in your life, they'll likely model that behavior. Parents can start by making reading a topic of conversation. Share what you're reading and let them tell you about their books. Make reading together a family challenge this summer, says Lauren Tarshis, author of bestselling kids' series 'I Survived' and Scholastic's senior VP and editor at large. ''We're all going to put down our phones from this time to this time and we're going to read,'' she suggests saying. ''Let's go to the library together. Here's an independent bookstore, let's go there. Let's make that an excursion.'' Reading tips for adults: Squeeze books into your busy life 2. Find a book they'll love It's important to find a book that'll make your kid excited to pick up another, so look for one that taps into their hobbies or latest obsessions. Bookelicious, an online site for kids' reading, was founded by Lea Anne Borders to connect kids with books that match their unique interests. On Bookelicious, young readers design an avatar 'bookmoji' with costumes, pets and accessories. These customizations help Bookelicious match them with books they might enjoy: It can recommend one about sports for a kid who dresses their bookmoji in a jersey. 'Motivation and engagement are fueled by the access to high-interest, personally relevant books and ability to exercise some choice around those,' Borders says. 'We're trying to serve up those books that are really, really interesting and fun and exciting to kids and then help them make their own choices, because that means they're more likely to read their books.' Every kid is different. Audiobooks, graphic novels or even digital reading may be the best form of reading for your child. Audiobooks and e-reading are on the rise in schools and public libraries around the country, according to Steve Potash, the CEO of digital library distributor OverDrive. Here are the top e-books that kept kids engaged, according to Libby and OverDrive data shared with USA TODAY: The top book series, based on minutes spent reading: 3. Add an incentive or challenge Summer reading challenges, whether at your local library, online or homemade, can be a great way to keep reading exciting. Here are some we recommend: You can gamify summer reading on your own, too, like a reward of screen time for every finished book or number of pages, a new book at the bookstore or a trip to a local ice cream shop. 4. Tie it to a fun summer activity Not every kid loves reading, and that's OK, says Tarshis. The author of dozens of children's books, Tarshis started writing 'I Survived' because she couldn't get her son to read. Tarshis had her own 'significant' challenges reading as a kid. Learning disabilities can also pose a challenge. There are more ways to get kids reading this summer than just handing them a book. Even magazine reading or online research is a good way to get kids using their brains. Going to an amusement park this summer? Tarshis suggests assigning them to read reviews: "What are the three best roller coasters? What do we have to bring?' she offers. 'Do not use ChatGPT; I'll know if you did.' Going on a trip? Have your kid learn about the local wildlife or historical sites. Do you have a movie-buff family? Read up on the Vikings when you watch 'How to Train Your Dragon' or aliens before seeing 'Elio.' If your family is brave enough for a 'Jaws' 50th anniversary rewatch, have your kids read about sharks. 5. Start a reading community or book club Reading may be a solitary activity, but it's best when done in community. Join a silent book club, start a parent-child book club with neighbors or move your playdate to the library on a rainy day. Reading together can help build excitement, gather new recommendations and help your family feel part of something bigger. What is the 'best' children's book?: Kids, parents, authors on what makes a classic Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Children's book reviews: Summer stories to warm up and inspire an eager imagination
Summer is so close we can almost smell the suncream. It's never too early to start thinking about summer reading and lucky for you dear reader, some of our favourite authors and illustrators have been hard at work creating débuts, sequels, series openers, and stories aplenty to keep you turning the pages. Ranging from reality TV penguins to underwater antics, and even a sprinkle of time travel through unexpected worlds, there is something, as always, for every reader to enjoy. Here are our picks for this month but remember for more brilliant book recommendations, simply visit our website: Penguin TV by Owen Churcher and illustrated by Niamh Sharkey (Gill Books) The penguin cam at the zoo's enclosure has become a snorefest, prompting penguin duo Horatio and Myrtle to take matters into their own flippers. What can you expect from Penguin TV? Well, there's swimming, acrobatics, fish, and plenty of penguin-related facts. Gently poking fun at reality TV show antics, this is a story worth tuning in for that will have readers wondering what penguins get up to when humans aren't paying attention. (4+) Badger Books by Paddy Donnelly (The O'Brien Press) After over 52 years in the business, Badger — the proprietor of Badger Books — prides himself on his abilities to find any books his customers desire. But when young Rory makes a specific request for a book about jellyfish on the moon complete with pirate octopuses in a pineapple boat, Badger finds himself stumped. Ideal for the booklovers, booksellers, and storytellers in your life, this is a modern classic in the making with an exquisite level of detailed illustrations that must be seen to be believed. (4+) Dragon Dave the Not So Brave by Alex Latimer and illustrated by Phillip Cullen (Scholastic) Dragon Dave cannot help but feel displeased within the pages of his own story — especially because it ends with him being made into dragon soup. Teaming up with Prince George, this is an enemies-to-friends tale that re-writes itself. Latimer and Cullen are a super pairing in this engaging multi-modal story about taking control of your own narrative with a fairytale twist. This story rewards those keen to re-read and reinterpret their own bedtime stories. (4+) Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here by Aoife Dooley (Scholastic) Zany is the word that springs to mind, as readers are invited to explore the underwater world of Nowhere, inhabited by Ollie and Zing — along with their squid squad of sub-aquatic creatures. With four unique episodes, Dooley's first graphic novel for younger readers makes for an excellent intro to the genre. Immersive in more ways than one, vibrant characters and slapstick humour create an underwater caper that will appeal to fans of Spongebob Squarepants. (7+) Amelia Cheeseheart Investigates: Mummy Mayhem! by Cat Weldon and illustrated by Nene Lonergan (Guppy Books) Amelia Cheeseheart is a mouse with a mission. When priceless artefacts begin disappearing from the museum's ancient Egyptian room, a new mystery unfurls for this gutsy mouse to solve. With clues trickled throughout, mini sleuths will adore this graphic novel with a compelling narrative from Weldon — where tension and riddles abound. The warm and winsome illustrations from former Children's Books Ireland's Raising Voices fellow Nene Lonergan make for a strong series starter. (7+) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth and illustrated by Eirinn McGuinness (Templar Books) Bestselling poet Donna Ashworth's first collection for young readers is a treasure trove of wisdom. With a focus on resilience building and processing emotions around pivotal moments in a child's life, the warmth of this collection is a balm in a world that can feel increasingly challenging. Eirinn McGuinness' illustrations interspersed throughout elevate this mindful treasury to what is sure to be a beloved keepsake. (8+) Féile: A Twin Power Adventure by Emma Larkin (The O'Brien Press) Twin Power returns. Now in secondary school, Aoife, Aidan, and their friends have the opportunity to take part in Féile: A prestigious Gaelic football tournament. But can the twin power magic work with Aoife and Aidan playing on separate teams? A super progression of this popular series; while the action-packed match scenes will keep readers gripped, the sense of community and comradery found in sport is the true beating heart of this winning tale. (11+) The Brightest Star by Meg Grehan (Little Island Books) In the highly anticipated follow up to The Deepest Breath, Stevie, Chloe, and Andrew are starting secondary school with the usual mix of excitement and worry: Will the friends be able to stay true to themselves and each other in the midst of this big life change? Readers of Stevie's first adventure will be pleased to see this beloved character go from strength to strength when it comes to managing her anxiety and coping with changes. Grehan's sensitivity is her strength, as she reminds readers it's OK to not have it all figured out just yet. (12+) Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman, translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata) Nick and Charlie's love story continues in the second instalment of Alice Oseman's hugely popular series. Picking up where the first story left off, the boys navigate their fledgling romance surrounded by their supportive friend group. Eoin McEvoy's Irish language translation of such a beloved first love story only serves to further enhance this tender tale that will melt the hearts of even the most seasoned cynic. Fingers crossed for more stories like this as Gaeilge representing the LADTAIÉ+ community. (12+) The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim (Nosy Crow) In her family of two mums, Quinn has always known she and her brother were conceived using a donor, but when a chance to meet other potential donor siblings arises, her curiosity is sparked. She's always been the odd one out in her outgoing, sporty family; could any of her diblings be like her? Children can be donor-conceived for many reasons; Rahim draws from her experience with her own children to create a strong début on finding belonging and celebrating the bonds that bring families together. (12+) Lady's Knight by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (Electric Monkey) Lady Isobelle's freedom is in limbo as her fair hand and dowry are the prize in a tournament of Dragonslayers. Gwen has worked as a blacksmith for years and is determined to prove a point to the patriarchy. Could a disguise and a daring plan solve both their problems? Pure entertainment from start to finish, the authors' clever fusion of medieval and modern with a sprinkling of girl power makes for an unmissable tongue-in-cheek romp. (15+) Skipshock by Caroline O'Donoghue (Walker Books) When Margo and Moon's worlds collide (literally) time becomes a commodity they are quickly running out of. Putting a new spin on the phrase 'a race against time', Skipshock is like no other book I have read. Layered, inventive, and expansive, what appears to be a complicated sci-fantasy across various worlds, time zones, and dimensions will effortlessly envelope readers imaginations and swallow them whole. A stunning read. (15+) Ruth Concannon is the publications officer for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child's right to develop a love of reading; Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child's right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland; See for more. Read More Tots to Teens: Penguins waddle into the limelight in new book
