Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, has acquired actor and activist Alyssa Milano‘s debut children’s book series.
Hope, to be illustrated by Eric S. Keyes and published on October 1, 2019, is an empowering fiction series centered on a spunky 11-year-old girl named Hope who seeks to create social change in her community. Scholastic Audio will release the audiobook narrated by Alyssa Milano simultaneously with the hardcover edition. Creative Artists Agency represented Milano in the deal for World English rights. Translation rights are available through CAA.
“As a mother, I can’t think of a more important time to let kids know that their voice matters. I’m so excited about my new character, Hope Roberts. She believes in dreaming big. She’s brave and strong and confident in her abilities—but she’s also a girl just trying to survive middle school. I’m thrilled to be working with Scholastic on this empowering book series and can’t wait for everyone to meet Hope,” said Alyssa Milano.
About Hope
Hope Roberts is 11 years old, and she wants to be an astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books and her two rescue dogs. Hope believes it’s always a good day to champion a cause, defend an underdog and save the future. And most of all, she believes in dreaming big. She’s smart, fearless and confident in her abilities. Although Hope seems super strong on the outside, there’s another side of her, too. She’s just a regular girl trying to survive middle school. Hope’s can-do attitude is inspirational.
About Alyssa Milano
Actress and activist Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life in the public eye. A famous child actor, she has continued to work throughout her adulthood in both television and film, most notably starring in the wildly popular television series “Who’s the Boss” and “Charmed.” Alyssa is also a lifelong activist and is passionate about fighting for human rights around the world.
In 2003, UNICEF invited Alyssa to become a National Ambassador in recognition of her charitable work on behalf of children. Ever since then, Alyssa has been a champion of children’s rights, working closely with UNICEF to raise money and awareness and provide aid to the children who need it most all over the world.
Alyssa Milano also speaks to kids in schools around the country about the importance of voting and teaches them how to fill out a ballot because she believes it’s never too early to be civic-minded. Most recently, Alyssa is known for popularizing the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter, sparking the massive viral movement. She was named one of the 2017 Persons of the Year in Time magazine alongside other prestigious activists. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two kids.
Illustrator Bio
Eric S. Keyes is currently an animator and character designer on The Simpsons, joining the show in its first season. He has worked on many other shows throughout the years, including King of the Hill, The Critic, and Futurama. He was also a designer and art director on Disney’s Recess. This is his first time illustrating a children’s book. Eric lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.
To learn more about this new children’s book and Scholastic, see www.scholastic.com.