Scholastic has launched the Harry Potter Reading Club, an online portal aimed at educators, librarians, and parents.
A "buy" module on the site opens to allow consumers to purchase either print or digital books. The print side features links to online retailers and also has a zip code finder so users can search for a local brick-and-mortar store. Other links go to Pottermore, the series's exclusive e-book retailer, and retailers with whom Pottermore has agreements, including Storia, Blio, Google, Kindle, Nook, and Sony. Supplemental materials available online include a classroom discussion guide for each of the novels, monthly themed activities, a glossary and pronunciation guide, and more.
In conjunction with the new book club, J.K. Rowling will be making a virtual tour of U.S. classrooms, in a live webcast scheduled for Thursday, October 11, at 12 pm ET. The webcast, which will take place in Rowling’s hometown of Edinburgh, marks the first opportunity for the author to answer kids’ questions live since 2007. Beginning today, educators can sign up to participate in the webcast; details are on the Web site.
