Scholastic CEO Peter Warwick, center. Image: Scholastic
By Hannah Johnson
In an era where storytelling transcends traditional formats, Scholastic, a titan in children’s publishing, continues to redefine its role in publishing, education, and media. Leading this transformation is Peter Warwick, CEO and president of Scholastic, who is steering the company toward a future where content creation is both multifaceted and “kid-focused.”In an interview with Publishing Perspectives, Warwick discusses Scholastic’s expanding entertainment and intellectual property strategy, as well as some upcoming new releases to watch for. He also elaborates on the company’s 360-degree content creation approach—intended to “meet children exactly where they are”—and Scholastic’s imperative mission to support children’s education and well-being.
Expanding Digital and Film Capabilities
In June, Scholastic finalized its acquisition of 9 Story Media, a producer and distributor of children’s content with expertise in animation and live-action films as well as with international licensing and brand-building.
This strategic acquisition, says Warwick, builds on a 20-year partnership. “It propelled us toward being able to meet the demand for high-quality kids and family entertainment” and “provided solid backing to continue protecting and expanding our IP strategy.”
The 9 Story Media Group already is having a positive impact on Scholastic’s financial performance. In the first quarter of its fiscal year 2025, Scholastic reported a 4-percent increase in overall revenue. As noted by Warwick in the earnings report released in September, this growth is “reflecting the contribution of 9 Story Media Group.”
The newly formed Scholastic Entertainment media division, which includes 9 Story Media, reported $16.6 million in revenue in the 2025 fiscal first quarter.
This significant expansion into broader entertainment media is also driving forward Scholastic’s “360-degree strategy” for content creation, which Warwick tells Publishing Perspectives serves as “a guidepost for ensuring that our brand’s content media include not only traditional print options, but digital and film creations, too.”
In a departure from the idea that a publisher needs to start with a book and expand from there, Scholastic’s 360-degree strategy incorporates multi-format storytelling and education. “Whether it’s a book, print magazine, virtual games, or videos,” Warwick says, “Scholastic aims to create content that captures children’s attention and motivation to grow their knowledge.”
‘Kid-Focused’: Well-being, Literacy, Storytelling
Expanding further into films, games, and beyond has been good for business, and it also ties into a core part of Scholastic’s mission.
“Everything we do at Scholastic—from the way our content is generated to the way it’s packaged and delivered—is truly kid-focused,” Warwick says. “We are determined to meet children exactly where they are.”
And “where kids are” has changed quite a bit over Scholastic’s 100-year history. Warwick acknowledges the challenges of engaging young readers in today’s increasingly crowded media landscape.
“It’s no secret that children are bombarded with outside noise and endless options—all competing for their attention,” Warwick says, “whether it’s television, social media, or video games.” Because of this, he says, “We have to ensure that our content is able to excite and engage children while also providing them with the support they need to be lifelong learners.”
The company’s approach is informed by a deep understanding of current issues affecting children’s education and well-being.
“From the news cycle, we know that children’s mental health is more important now than ever,” he says, “and we know from data that literacy and storytelling is an accessible avenue, globally, for positively impacting a child’s mental health.”
Specifically, Warwick points to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report—now in its eighth biennial edition—which surveys parents and children across the United States on their reading habits.
“From declining US reading and math scores,” Warwick says, “to a spike in chronic absenteeism, to developing and complex international conflicts currently raging, kids and adults alike need mental and emotional support.”
The importance of books in facilitating meaningful conversations is underscored by data from the 2024 Reading Report, Warwick says. “An overwhelming majority of parents—90 percent—say they agree that books can create opportunities for conversation,” with many seeking specific books to help children navigate issues like bullying and other difficult topics.
“Supporting children emotionally, mentally, and academically,” he says, “is a constant through-line at Scholastic, and is something we consider in every new undertaking.”
Coming Soon: New Titles From Scholastic
As Scholastic looks to the future of children’s entertainment, Warwick says the company is also looking forward to its lineup of forthcoming titles “that we feel will truly excite readers of all ages.”
Among these is bestselling author and Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick’s first YA novel, Run Away With Me, described by Warwick as “an unforgettable coming-of-age love story for young adults.” It’s set for publication in April.
Adding to the anticipation is Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” series, which Warwick says will “revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games.” Readers can also look forward to an illustrated edition of The Hunger Games, arriving this fall.
For younger audiences, Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man: Big Jim Begins will be published in December, shortly before a new animated film adaptation of Dog Man from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is released on January 31.
Looking at more adaptations, Warwick says, “We’re also proud to continue publishing “Five Nights at Freddy’s” content,” based on a horror video game which Scholastic has expanded to formats including graphic novels and cookbooks. Scholastic Entertainment is also gearing up for the live-action season two of “Goosebumps,” based on R.L. Stine’s bestselling series, set to debut on Disney+ and Hulu. Warwick says he’s confident that “With an entire new story line and set of characters, this chapter will continue to captivate audiences.”
At Scholastic’s Graphix imprint for comics and graphic novels, Warwick says, “Our expansion into manga has been well received.” The reimagined Japanese classic, Unico, was released this summer, and readers can look forward to the first volumes of Hikaru in the Light! by Mai Matsuda and Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms by Yoshino Koyoka in March.
And bestselling comic book creators Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud have teamed up to write The Cartoonists Club, a graphic novel which will be released in April.