Jada Pinkett Smith's first-ever children's book Girls Hold Up This World will debut

at #2 in the New York Times children's best-seller list; according to Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books

The picture book, featuring empowering poems for girls written by Pinkett Smith, also includes photographs by Donyell Kennedy-McCullough. There are over 80,000 copies of the book in print.

In Girls Hold Up This World (Scholastic/Cartwheel), celebrated actress and mother Jada Pinkett Smith lovingly captures the strength, unity, and beauty that live in girls. Ms. Pinkett Smith's powerful poetry combined with Donyell Kennedy-McCullough's exuberant photographs enhance the positive message of this inspiring new book.

Jada Pinkett Smith has appeared in many films, including Collateral, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, The Nutty Professor, and Ali. Ms. Pinkett Smith has also appeared in the popular TV series A Different World. Jada Pinkett Smith currently stars in the movie Madagascar as the voice of "Hippo" which will be out in theaters May 27th. She lives in California with her husband, actor / rap and hip-hop artist Will Smith, and their children, Trey, Jaden, and Willow.

Donyell Kennedy-McCullough juggles multiple careers as a personal manager, producer, wife, mom, and self-taught photographer. She lives in California with her husband, Suli McCullough, and daughter, Kennedy-Rue.

Scholastic Corporation (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, Visit Scholastic online at http://www.scholastic.com