Tuesday
Feb102009
You read it here first
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 10:37AM Scholastic Accused of Misusing Book Clubs New York Times, February 9, 2009
What took them so long to break the story? The Blue Skunk covered it last November.
in Rants
Rants 
Reader Comments (6)
I don't love all the "stuff" but I think the article misses an important point. It is only one small advocacy group complaining and Scholastic rightly points out that the revenue from the "Stuff" is overshadowed by the book sales (although obviously not enough to discontinue the selling of the "stuff").
The other two points in Scholastic's favor are that #1--it's a fundraiser. The school could be working with a vendor to sell ice cream, baked goods, wrapping paper or candles. At least they're selling mostly books and the money earned will go to more books or author visits in the media center. #2--not all kids can even plunk down the $4.95 for a paperback. At least they can be happy snagging one of the little trinkets they sell near the cash registers.
And as one media specialist mentioned in the article--you can always use another vendor (or elect to not put out all the "stuff"--fundraiser or no.)
My daughter held a book fair last year with Scholastic. The whole community got involved and hundreds of books were purchased, indirectly enriching literacy. The school also made $600 to purchase books for classrooms. It's too bad that Scholastic has to send mixed messages.
I don't put the "boutique" items out at my book fairs, except for a few pens and bookmarks. As for the orders, most of our children actually do get books. Our teachers refuse to take orders for the "clubs", where things are sent to the homes. I do think it's up to parents and teachers to steer decisions a little. Scholastic won't change. They are there to make money.
Hi Jim and Paul,
Maybe this is a tempest in a teapot. Were I running Scholastic, I might be asking if the extra profit on the toys is worth the negative PR and vibes. And yes, much good comes of these “book” fairs too!
Thanks for the comment,
Doug
Hi Ms Yingling,
I’ve heard other librarians mention doing the same thing – not putting out the junk. Seems like that is a sensible option IF the librarian, not the PTO, is in charge.
All the best and thanks for the comment,
Doug
To clarify something, the NY Times article was focused on the book clubs, but somehow the conversation here moved on to book fairs -- and those are two entirely different business models at Scholastic, run independently of each other.
With Book Fairs, there is a lot of control and schools can tailor the offers according to their wishes.
With clubs, the teachers either hands out the kit . . . or doesn't.
Re: Ms. Yingling's comment: Scholastic WILL change, preciously because they are in it to make money (and that's not a bad thing). The classroom teachers have the power.
On a personal note, I'm not at all bashing Scholastic. Tough economic times, a publicly-owned company with all the pressures that go with it. Hard not to sell lip gloss when the profits are there. Still, this has been a good company for many years, with many people who are committed to bringing books and children together. Doesn't make them perfect.
Anyway, I blogged on this here:
http://www.jamespreller.com/2009/02/10/scholastic-book-clubs-in-the-news/
Hi James,
You are absolutely right – the criticism was about book clubs, not book fairs. I should have read more carefully.
What was Emily Latella’s line..... “Never mind.”
Thanks for clarifying,
Doug