Amar'e Stoudemire Signs With Scholastic to Publish New Children's Book Series

New York Knicks captain Amar'e Stoudemire has signed with Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, which has acquired world rights to STAT: Standing Tall and Talented, a chapter book series for middle-grade readers launching in August 2012. Stoudemire is committed to turning kids, especially boys, into readers. The new series, named after his nickname STAT, will be based on the life of Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today.

"Amar'e Stoudemire is a NBA megastar and a New York hero. He is passionate about reading and education and we are proud to partner with him to publish a new chapter book series that will inspire more kids to embrace reading through Amar'e's story," said Debra Dorfman, Vice President Publisher for Paperbacks, Non-fiction and Licensing, from Scholastic.

"I am excited to create my book series with Scholastic," said Amar'e Stoudemire. "They are the best in the business so I trust them with my stories. I decided to write for children because although I am an avid reader now, I wish I had read more as a child. I hope that together with Scholastic, we can creatively inspire a new generation to read."

The first book in STAT: Standing Tall And Talented will be published in both hardcover and paperback onAugust 1, 2012, to be followed by new books in October 2012 and January 2013. In STAT #1: Home Court, eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He plays sports with his friends. He takes his school work seriously. He helps out with his dad's landscaping company. And he loves to go skateboarding in the park. But when an older group of boys start bullying his friends on the basketball court, Amar'e is forced to step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. He realizes that basketball is his true passion.


Source: PR NEWSWIRE