Scholastic Acquires Middle Grade Novel by Emma Donoghue, Author of the International Bestseller 'Room'
NEW YORK, NY—(June 16, 2015)—Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, has acquired the first middle grade novel by Room international bestselling author Emma Donoghue. The Lotterys Plus One will be released in the U.S. under the Arthur A. Levine Books imprint and edited by Levine himself for publication in February 2017. The deal was brokered by Kathleen Anderson of Anderson Literary Agency.
“This is a tale about the unbridled joy of living in a big, loving family, and the lengths to which one creative nine year old will go when that crazy, delicate equilibrium is threatened,” says publisher Arthur A. Levine. “Only a writer with the incredible skill of Emma Donoghue could present such a vibrant bounty of personalities with perfect clarity and true heart.”
“I am over the moon that my first story for young readers is going to be an Arthur Levine book,” says Emma Donoghue, “I couldn’t wish for a wiser editor or a more hallowed list of fellow authors.”
About The Lotterys Plus One
The Lotterys Plus One introduces Sumac Lottery, a girl with six siblings, two moms, two dads, and a tranquil cloud-painted room in the big Victorian house they all call Camelottery. When her racist, homophobic grandfather nearly burns his house down, he has to move in with the Lotterys, a volatile situation about which no one is happy, least of all Sumac, who has to give up her room. The Lotterys Plus One is a funny, sensitive exploration of family, the limits of tolerance, and the possibilities of love.
About Emma Donoghue
Emma Donoghue is best known for her international bestselling novel Room which was a finalist for the Man Booker, Commonwealth and Orange Prizes. Critics praised its pitch-perfect narration by a five-year-old named Jack, who lives in a single room with his Ma and has never been outside. Donoghue wrote the screenplay for the upcoming film adaptation of Room for director Lenny Abrahamson, scheduled to be released in late 2015. Born in Dublin, Donoghue now lives in London, Ontario, with her partner and their two children. She has written drama for stage and radio as well as YA fairytales and adult fiction both contemporary and historical.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children’s media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools customized and comprehensive solutions to support children’s learning both at school and at home. The Company also makes quality, affordable books available to all children through school-based book clubs and book fairs. With a 94 year history of service to schools and families, Scholastic continues to carry out its commitment to “Open a World of Possible” for all children. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
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Media Contact: Charisse Meloto
Executive Director of Publicity, Scholastic
212-389-3785, cmeloto[@]scholastic.com
