Scholastic was established in 1920 by Maurice R. Robinson, who discovered a love for journalism during his time on the Dartmouth College student newspaper. Upon graduating from Dartmouth, Robinson returned to his hometown of Wilkinsburg, Pittsburgh, which was currently experiencing an increase in the high school student population as World War I was coming to an end. Robinson saw an opportunity in this and decided to start publishing a current events magazine for students near his home. These magazines evolved into an exclusive newspaper dedicated to the interests of students. Robinson designed his newspapers from a desk in his mother’s sewing room, and he sold each copy for five cents. The first edition of The Western Pennsylvania Scholastic provided articles on a wide range of topics and was published October 22, 1920. Scholastic would eventually become a billion-dollar company with books in every classroom and school library across the United States.
Scholastic has “helped revolutionize access to books and bring reading to the masses.” In 1981, Scholastic began its in-school book fairs, which currently host more than 120,000 book sale events in schools across the country. These book fairs have provided millions of students access to thousands of affordable books. Scholastic also sends out catalogs to schools that allow students to place an order for books through their teacher. Their educational magazines have been a great addition to libraries because they cover a variety of subjects and present information in a way that is enjoyable to learn about and easy to comprehend. The purpose of these magazines is to inform students about their world.
While Scholastic has made reading enjoyable for many students, March 2, also referred to as “Read Across America Day,” was created to help celebrate reading. Here are just a few reasons why reading is essential in our lives. Books contain valuable information that increases your knowledge and helps you make better decisions in life. It also sharpens your mind because as you read, your brain processes the information. In turn, this improves critical and analytical thinking skills. One of the main benefits of reading is that it enhances your vocabulary and strengthens your communication skills. Having an extensive vocabulary allows you to express yourself clearly and communicate with clarity. Lastly, reading makes you a more empathic individual. As you read, you connect with the characters’ emotions and become a part of the story. Reading allows you to understand and share what others feel or might be going through.
Works Cited
Scholastic. "Our History." 2020,
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