Scholastic’s Role in Canadian Children’s Education

For many Canadians, Scholastic evokes nostalgia with its book fairs and catalogues prevalent in 88% of elementary schools across Canada, shipping three million books annually. Founded in 1920, Scholastic revolutionized children’s publishing by launching book clubs in 1948 and school book fairs in 1981, helping schools raise crucial funds amid rising educational costs. However, critiques arise regarding the commercialization of reading and the disparity among students during these events. Despite concerns, Scholastic remains a significant force in promoting literacy and access to books in underfunded schools.